Good morning Gents! So yesterday I had the opportunity to see SHEN YUN. I know you probably thinking off-back, "What is SHEN YUN?" Well, SHEN YUN is actually a performing arts company that is based out of New York. It is comprised of some of the top dancers world wide who are trained in classical Chinese Dance.

I had two close friends who had seen this performance live and Japan. One, who I accompanied on yesterday, suggested it as it was here at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta. I must say that this was an experience like no other. Not only was I entertained, but I was also educated on the historic evolution of Chinese culture that has been an artistic footprint around the world. From the live Orchestra, which I read in the program is the first in the world to permanently combine classical Western and Chinese instruments, to the vibrant colors of the costumes- I was completely taken away. While this was no ordinary production, the director made certain to educate his audience through the use of two moderators. So before each performance, the moderators would come on stage and give the background and history on the performance that we were about to see executed. Each moment was different from the last and built upon the central story and theme- telling the history of Chinese culture through dance and music.

Two of my takeaways that somewhat hit home for me were that tumbling (flips in the air) were derived from Chinese dance. While I cheered in college, no one ever gave us a history lesson as to how we came to doing these series of flips in the air. Also, I did not know that the earliest form of Chinese medicine was music. Yes, that's right, music! Of course, there was no video equipment allowed in the auditorium, so you will have to get out and see the show for yourself. A good thing to know is that each year, there is a completely new show to include new choreography and music. That means that you can actually partake in this production every year and not be bored with it. Because a cultured man is a man of desirability, I would recommend this production hands-down and thumbs-up! SHEN YUN by far is a life-long production that is dedicated to the true revival of Chinese culture in the form of dance and music. Be great Gents!