Shen Yun 2012 World Tour Returns to Cobb Energy Centre January 27, 2012

Shen Yun Performing Arts New Production Appears January 27 – 29, 2012

ATLANTA – (November 7, 2011) - East meets west as the world’s premiere Chinese dance and music company presents Shen Yun 2012, its totally new production for this year’s world tour and a perfect event to celebrate Chinese New Year, January 27-29, 2011 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Each season the New York-based company tours a new show to as many as twenty countries around the world. Atlanta is one of the first stops on the 2012 world tour. Shen Yun has quickly become a family favorite, drawing crowds of all ages and rave reviews since its Atlanta debut in 2007.

Inspired by the spirit of ancient Chinese culture, the program features nearly 20 dances and songs ranging from grand classical processions to ethnic and folk dances, accented by gorgeously costumed dancers and spectacular backdrops.

Shen Yun presents colorful and exhilarating performances of classical Chinese dance and music. The performance is a presentation of traditional Chinese culture as it once was: a study in grace, wisdom, and the virtues distilled from the five millennia of Chinese civilization.

Every year, Shen Yun unveils an entirely new lineup of dances, songs, and musical scores. At the core of Shen Yun’s performances is classical Chinese dance with China's numerous ethnic and folk dance styles rounding out the evening.

In a collection of short pieces, audiences travel from the Himalayas to tropical lake-filled regions; from the legends of the culture’s creation over 5,000 years ago through to the story of Falun Dafa in China today; from the highest heavens down to the dusty plateaus of the Middle Kingdom.

Tenors, sopranos and other award-winning vocalists perform piano-accompanied solos, along with a regular favorite—the stirring melodies of the two-stringed erhu, also known as the Chinese violin.

Shen Yun’s unique orchestra, with its all-original compositions, blends East and West like no other. The distinctly Chinese sound of ancient instruments like the erhu and the pipa are bathed in a rich sea of Western strings, percussion, woodwinds, and brass. The result—two great classical music traditions producing one fresh, unexpected sound.

Animated backdrops transport the audience to another world. Projected behind the dancers, the hi-tech images lift the stage and set it amidst blossoming landscapes, deep forests, Mongolian prairies, or celestial paradises.

One of the features that strikes audience members most is Shen Yun's colorful costumes. These hundreds of gorgeous, hand-made garments span China’s dynasties, regions, and ethnic groups. “I wish I could wear that!” is a common reaction. Even leading fashion designers leave the show excited with new inspiration

“Atlanta has truly embraced us,” said Alex Wang, director of New Times Culture and Education Center, the official host of this year’s performance. “Because of this city’s amazing support, Shen Yun has become one of the most highly sought after and anticipated shows of the year.”

Cobb Energy Centre will host four performances of the show: 7:30 p.m., Friday, January 27; 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, January 28; and 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 29. Tickets prices are from $50.00 to 200.00 and are available at any participating Ticketmaster location or by calling 800-745-3000 or at the Bank of Georgia North Georgia Box Office at the Cobb Energy Centre box office located at 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339

Official Website: http://www.ticketingbox.com/c/JSjliI4za2c