NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.—Shen Yun Performing Arts won over the crowd at New Jersey’s State Theatre in New Brunswick on Oct. 28, with roaring applause lasting through two curtain calls.
Among the audience was Natalia Stepanova, an award-winning dance teacher, whose dance studio has been named the best in central New Jersey.
“It was amazing,” Ms. Stepanova said after the performance.
“My first feeling after the show was to share it and tell more people to come over and see the show,” she said.
Ms. Stepanova brought more than 50 of her students to the evening performance, noting that “it was an open door for all ages.”
“Don't be afraid to bring kids—because I saw faces of my students, how they watched—they'll love it,” she added.
The dancers of Shen Yun Performing Arts are trained in classical Chinese dance, as well as ethnic and folk Chinese dance, and pull their inspiration from China’s 5,000 years of culture.
Classical Chinese dance is unique in several ways. It includes flips, spins, and turns; intricate hand gestures; and a vast array of movements. It also has a deep expressive quality, allowing performers to portray nearly any character from any age.
Ms. Stepanova said seeing the roots of other art forms in China’s ancient dance culture was among the “most impressive” parts of the show for her. “You can see it. You can feel the lines; you can see the footwork,” she said, adding that the jumps and flips were “beautiful.”
With reporting by Pamela Tsai.
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
