Chinese at the Egyptian

Shen Yun Performing Arts is said to be leaving millions in awe. The Chinese performance is scheduled in Ogden at Peery’s Egyptian Theater, March 16-18 at 7:30 p.m.
Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier Chinese dance and music company. Shen Yun is based out of New York and has held performances in over 100 cities around the world, with the performance now on its way to Ogden, Utah.
“I imagine that this really is going to be breathtaking,” said Joanne Lawrence, dance professor and program director for Weber State University, who saw Chinese classical dance during a trip to China. “Dance represents a culture very well and from what I think we have seen, from, you know, Chinese ballet, their modern dance and their Olympic kind of creative work that they do, they really do take it to the extreme in their level of polish.”
Lawrence said she feels it is important for students to take advantage of these cultural opportunities in the community.
“I think knowing of people through their culture, their music, their dance, their singing, their poetry and their writing, we get to see what’s inside,” said Lawrence about experiencing the cultural aspect of the Shen Yun performance.
WSU student Amanda Sacher said she is thinking about attending Shen Yun for a course she is taking and also for some entertainment.
“I think that it is good for students to be able to experience other cultures’ performing arts aside from our own,” Sacher said. “I think it’s neat to hear other kinds of music, and watch other kinds of dance; we kind of get used to music we hear and it’s nice to experience what other cultures are doing.”
WSU student Shelby Barnes also said she thinks the performance sounds culturally interesting, adding why she thought WSU students should attend the performance.
“I think so that they can understand how they live and how they are different in their culture,” Barnes said. “I would like to see how their culture’s dancing is. It sounds interesting.”
Lawrence said she thinks it would be worthwhile for students and just about anyone to attend the event for a good experience and wonderful night.
“Seeing the cultural dance of another people just, I think, gives us a way in to see them personally,” Lawrence said. “It’s a nice way to see the people, and to see what it is that they hold dear, because these people have dedicated their lives to this art form and carrying it on.”
Although the performance will not teach students everything there is to know about Chinese culture and dance, it will be a good opportunity to learn more.