As a culture that has survived 5,000 years of change and turmoil
—- yet retained its artistry throughout —- there is much to
tell about the story of China, its land and its people. Shen Yun
attempts that feat, and earns rave reviews and returning audience
members on its annual tours.

The troupe performs Thursday through Jan. 22 at the California
Center for the Arts, Escondido —- its seventh appearance at the
venue. Shen Yun, founded in New York City, emphasizes classical
Chinese dance. The elaborately costumed, well-trained troupe covers
more than 5,000 years of Chinese history with elegance and
grace.

Eye-opening backdrops (shown on a large digital video screen)
place the dancers in multiple Chinese locations, from serene
countrysides to busy cities. The troupe seeks to bring back to
prominence many of the original themes, styles and artistic
viewpoints thought gone forever after the Cultural Revolution.

Every year is a new production, with new sets and dances, said
Vivian Wang, the local promoter of the show. This is 5,000 years
of civilization, so there are many stories to tell.

Song is as much a part of the Shen Yun experience as dance.
Plaintive songs of personal experience are accompanied by piano,
with a full orchestra using all-original compositions to bring
forth a blend of Eastern and Western-influenced music. Strings,
percussion, woodwinds and brass are part of the mix.

If the real spirit of the culture has in some ways been lost,
this performance is a way to revive it, Wang said. There is not
only beauty, but universal values. Those values are recognizable
across many cultures, so audience members can relate to the
messages, no matter their ethnic or cultural background.

The 2012 tour will reach more than 3 million people in 30
different countries, with themes involving loyalty, compassion and
spirituality. Ethnic and folk dance are part of the mix. Shen Yun
also merges modern technology, such as digital projection, to help
enhance the human performances.

Children enjoy the colors and culture, while older audience
members enjoy the themes and lessons, Wang said.

From its starting point of about 90 dancers and musicians, Shen
Yun has grown to three full performance groups and orchestras,
filled with award-winning dancers and musicians from throughout
China and the world.

Many people think of Chinese culture as only involving things
such as the lion dance and dumplings and other familiar icons, but
there is so much more, Wang said. There is a reason the culture
has survived for so long and is still vibrant, and that is its
depth.