Guest Speaker: Hao Feng

 

Hao Feng (right, next to Ying-Li Chen) appeared on behalf of the Shen Yun dance troupe, a Chinese dance performance group now on tour around the United States and worldwide.

 

He noted the history of Chinese theater and dance, contrasting it with Western-style ballet; while ballet puts emphasis on dynamic moves, the Chinese style emphasizes form and technique, combining with traditional philosophies and the country's cultural history to tell complex stories through dance.

 

The performance features elements of Chinese culture dating back 5,000 years or more, bridging the gap between then and now...right down to including traditional instruments alongside a modern orchestra.

 

Shen Yun will be at the Coronado Performing Arts Center in Rockford on Friday, March 11th and Saturday, March 12th; they will also be at the Peoria Civic Center Theater on Wednesday, April 20th.