Leeshai Lemish - Born To Talk

Subscribe: RSS

Thank you Leeshai Lemish for joining me on the Born To Talk Radio Show Podcast.

Meet Leeshai.

Leeshai has been with Shen Yun Performing Arts for 19 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Chinese history and language from Pomona College, in California. Then he received his master’s in International Relations from the London School of Economics. Leeshai has spent extended periods studying, working, and conducting research throughout East Asia. He has authored articles on Chinese current affairs in both English and Chinese.

Leeshai joined Shen Yun Performing Arts as a Master of Ceremonies when the company was founded in 2006, and has since emceed close to two thousand performances with the company. He has taken the stage with Shen Yun at prestigious theaters such as Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center, the London Coliseum, Tokyo Opera City, and many others worldwide.

You can also follow Leeshai on his podcast.

Shen Yun Performing Arts.

Shen Yun is a non-profit performing arts and entertainment company based in the United States. They are known for their elaborate dance and music performances rooted in traditional Chinese culture. It was founded in 2006 by a group of Chinese artists connected to the Falun Gong spiritual movement. Shen Yun aims to revive traditional Chinese culture, often described as “China before communism,” through its performances. The company tours internationally, but its performances are not permitted in China.

Shen Yun’s performances feature classical Chinese dance, orchestral music, and storytelling. They depict traditional Chinese myths, legends, and historical events. The company emphasizes themes of virtue, harmony, and the connection between humanity and the divine.

Leeshai’s Takeaways.

“I think we could all use more experiences that uplift and inspire us. I’m fortunate in that I get to watch Shen Yun perform night after night, see the dancers flying through the air, listen to the magical music, and feel the energy in the hall. One of my favorite things to do after a show is walk through the lobby and see how radiant and joyful everyone seems leaving the theater.”

“In a way, it’s surprising that a performance of traditional Chinese culture resonates so deeply with people wherever we are. But I think it’s because what Shen Yun brings to life on stage, through showing China before communism, are the culture’s traditional virtues—courage, loyalty, compassion, integrity, faith, hope—and these are obviously not just Chinese, they are something we all have in common deep inside. And in the case of Shen Yun, the performers on stage aren’t acting or pretending. They’re actually spiritual seekers who, through their practice, strive to live by these virtues in daily life and that’s why they come across as so joyful and genuine.”

In Closing.

Each performance consists of about 20 pieces, quickly moving from one legend, region, or dynasty to the next. Themes range from the delicate elegance of Tang court ladies to the battlefield heroics of valiant generals, from the timeless philosophical works of Lao-Tzu to spectacular scenes of heavenly realms… transporting you to a magical world. If you would like to see their performances here is the link to their schedule.

Tune in to hear Leeshai’s story and tell your friends!!

Conversations + Connections = Community

Making the world a better place. One Story at a time.