Saturday, June 05, 2010

Shen Yun Performing Arts Spectacular

Wow! What a performance..it was awesome! Last night (Friday), Lani and I along with 10 other members of Dance Hawaii (aka Dance Aliamanu) went to see the opening of Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Neal Blaisdel Concert Hall. Thanks to Maurice Morita, President of Dance Hawaii...he was able to get all 12 of us discount tickets in row "O" just behind the $115 section. And the seats were perfect since they were smack in the middle, giving us a clear view of the performance.


According to its publication, "Shen Yu brings together leading dancers, choreographers, vocalists, and musicians (their very own)from around the world to create an experience that will not only be beautiful and memoriable, but also enriching and uplifting." And it most certainly lived up to it as we enjoyed the non-stop 2 hour fast paced beautiful art work of classical Chinese dancing. Two EmCees guided the audience through out the entire show (20 Acts)...one spoke in Chinese while the other interpreted in English. They were lively and at times put a touch of humor in introducing the next act which brought laughter and applauses. There was a 15 minute intermission after the first hour which was a welcomed break. Truly, the performers were in top shape and very disciplined. Where can you find 22 young ladies and 18 young men wearing colorful costumes all performing in perfect unison......dancing with props, too? Each act had a story... a cultural meaning as Shen Yun puts it..."to reclaim and renew the divinely-inspired cultural heritage of humanity". The music by the live orchestra was capitivating almost like inviting the audience to be part of the show. There were vocal soloist also...a Soprano, a Tenor. and a Baritone, and an Erhu Soloist which were a good fit...strong and persuasive. The cinematography was another amazing part of the show...the way it blended with the actual performers and the act. I should stop here since I don't want to give too much away. You gotta to see Shen Yun Performing Arts spectacular yourself to believe that it is an awesome stage show to ever come to Honolulu.
After leaving the Blaisdel Concert Hall, 10 of us met at Zippy's for a late dinner and talk story. Must've been close to midnight when we broke up to go home.