Chinese dance troup returns to Utah

Shen Yun, a professional troupe of classical Chinese dancers, acrobats and musicians is making a repeat performance this March in Utah.

Shows are scheduled for March 4 & 5 2014 at the Val A. Browning Center in Ogden. You can find more information and ticket prices here.

The performance is billed as a family-oriented spectacle featuring “heavenly music” and “timeless legends. ” But the troupe and its ties to the Falun Gong, a religious sect suppressed by Communist rule, has skirted controversy in some parts of the country.

Here are some reviews of past performances:
“The politics behind the pageantry”
“Proselytizing mixed with fun” 

Weber State celebrates Year of the Snake

OGDEN, Utah – The Weber State University Chinese Club invites the community to join in its biggest celebration of the year — Chinese New Year, Feb. 15 in the Shepherd Union beginning at 6 p.m.
This is the fourth year the Chinese club has hosted the event and members expect as many as 1,000 people to enjoy the free festivities and food.

“It is a fun event for the community to come and learn about Chinese culture and celebrate the New Year,” said Amanda Truong, WSU Chinese club president. “It started as a celebration to make the Chinese international students feel more at home but has grown to a larger event, which is celebrated by the entire local community.”
Chinese New Year 2013, also known as Spring Festival, begins on Feb. 10 with the celebration continuing through Feb. 15. This is the year of the black snake; so WSU’s celebration will feature a live snake. 

The event will also include performances such as a lion dance, a dragon run, traditional Chinese dancing and music, kung fu and a fashion show. Students from both Uintah and Mountain Green elementary schools will also participate. 

Starting at 6:45 p.m. a variety of booths will include activities such as crafts, games and exhibits. The event, including food and drinks, is free and open to the public, with donations welcome. 

Sponsors include, WSU Continuing Education, WSU International Student and Scholar Center, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, Center for Diversity & Unity, Multicultural Student Services Center, and WSU Clubs and Organizations, Swire Coca Cola of Ogden, Pearl Milk Tea Club, Golden Dynasty, Eastern Winds, Dragon Restaurant, Lucky Buffet, Syracuse Junior High Confucius Classroom, Bella’s Fresh Mexican Grill and Sodexo.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Mark your calendars, classical Chinese dancers coming to Ogden

Shen Yun, a professional troupe of classical Chinese dancers, acrobats and musicians is coming to Utah.

Performances are March 12 & 13 at the Val A. Browning Center at Weber State University in Ogden. Ticket prices range from $50 – $120.

The show is sold as a family-friendly spectacular but gets mixed reviews with some theater critics calling it propaganda cloaked in art. Most of the troupe’s members are Falun Gong, a religious group persecuted under Chinese communist rule.

It’s possible that chilly receptions to the show’s less-than-subtle message speaks to western/eastern cultural differences in the consumption of art and media.