Beauty and grace

The history of Chinese culture over the past 5,000 years will be presented through beautiful dance and music at the Stranahan Theatre on May 14.

"Shen Yun," or divine performing arts, is a non-profit group based in New York that is devoted to the revitalization of the Chinese culture.

"The art of dance— the music—this is a universal language," said Kathy Wei, marketing director of the Ohio Oriental Culture Association. "[‘Shen Yun'] is tied into Chinese culture, but it speaks to everyone. It is beautiful and pure."

"Shen Yun" is a cultural, artistic and entertainment experience created by a full orchestra, solo musicians, digital backdrops, carefully tailored costumes, dancing, and choreography. Three different dancing styles are implemented in the precise performance: classical Chinese dance, ethnic and folk dance, and story-based dance.

"Different folk dances represent different cultures and the diversity within," said Fang Fang, event director of the Ohio Oriental Culture Association. "The music is original and the handmade costumes change every scene."

"Shen Yun" is equally well-crafted in content and form. Each year, the show incorporates fresh storylines, music and dance routines, manifesting the myriad cultural niches within the greater Chinese culture.

More than 100 performers must move simultaneously to achieve the masterful and historic effect. According to Wei, symmetry in even the slightest body movement is essential for a perfect performance. From the curvature of the feet to the tension of the throat muscles, "Shen Yun" requires the performers to be focused and disciplined.

"Shen Yun" challenges the common conception of entertainment.

"Art is not political," Fang said. "It's not about pleasing people. Art is about civilization. [‘Shen Yun'] is not purely entertainment. It also reflects the current history of civilization and how human minds and hearts between people work. This is about entertainment, but also encouragement and human spirits."

In a society that has largely lost certain virtues in the rush of the daily grind, the message of "Shen Yun" is a reminder to allow peace and joy into life. It is a marriage of Western and Eastern cultures, nurturing and uniting emotion, intellect, and spirit.

"I have seen people with tears in their eyes," Wei said. "I asked myself ‘Why do people have tears in their eyes? It is a happy story, not a sad story.' It is because ‘Shen Yun' sends a message. There is something that touches their hearts."

—"Shen Yun Performing Arts" will be at the Stranahan Theatre on May 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at TicketMaster.com. More information can be found at ShenYunPerformingArts.org.