Boo on Communism. The Communist Party of China flushed 5,000-plus years of Confucius-isms, Taoist musings and Chinese historical relics down the proverbial toilet during the cultural revolution of the '60s and '70s. Most art forms were suppressed if they weren't a direct homage to Chairman Mao and the Party—and traditional Chinese dance was one of the art styles that got the kibosh. Even today, art feels the stranglehold of the State. The Shen Yun dance troupe formed in New York in 2006 for just that reason. They're reviving traditional Chinese dances that tell tales of classic myths, creation stories and tales of heroism, and they do so with whimsical dance moves, traditional music and costumes made with a sea of color—even red.
Jan. 11-12, 7:30 p.m., 2012
When not running the OCWeekly.com and OC Weekly’s social media sites, Taylor “Hellcat” Hamby can be found partying like it’s 1899.