Shen Yun ... Inspiration

music conjuring

a misty bygone era

mythic dancers fly

A friend sponsored me to see the Shen Yun production in Milwaukee this week.

It's a mysterious and amazing gift to have people so interested in my creativity and artwork that they go out of their way to make sure I have opportunities for growth.

I'm looking forward to all the art I'm going to make as a result of this experience.

The first image was inspired by intertwined sketches of the dancers' flaring skirts as they spun on the stage. The second should speak for itself ... I hope.







If you're wondering what I thought of the show, I don't do critical review. However, here are a few of the thoughts that linger.

Fascinating. Fun. Creative.
I enjoyed the interaction with the projections on the background screen. The transfer from live dancing to digital projection made me smile every time, and the scenery was lovely. I especially enjoyed the touches of humor throughout.

Thought provoking.
It was interesting to receive a glimpse of China through the eyes of those who no longer feel welcome there. Political change always has cultural effects, and China's current policies do inhibit the freedoms we take so for granted ... often in spectacular ways. The agenda woven through the performance was clear, but also very understandable. I would take advantage of such an opportunity to reach a wider audience in hopes of making a difference, too, especially when friends and family are suffering under oppression.


Graceful. Gorgeous. Beautiful.
I loved how the dancers' movements flared and subsided. Whoever designs the costumes knows how to enhance the flowing motions with contrasting colors. The strength and energy of the dancers remains vivid in my mind. Their training and skill were obvious. I was captivated by the gymnastic elements; so many incredible leaps and poses! I wish I could remember the shapes and alignments of the combined motion and fabric trails more clearly.

I came away from the performance with an even greater interest in Chinese history, myth, and culture than before. Obviously I was visually inspired, also.