Shen Yun Performing Arts graced the stage at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, Canada, on April 6, giving audience members a glimpse into China’s 5-millennia-old culture.
“Magnificent settings and the magic of the way that they’re using technology as part of Shen Yun,” said Philip Lieberman, a member of the board of directors of the National Ballet of Canada.
“There is an expressiveness to the dance that is spiritual,” he added.
“I’m in love with this show. I’m in love. I was in a fairytale. All was amazing, costumes, dancers, conductor, all musicians, singers,” said Mira Solovianenko, the founder and music director of Nightingale Music Festival.
“I found it very interesting. The short stories that weaved in the modern, in ancient, it was really good. The music was very nice, the dancing was amazing. The athleticism of the performers was really quite impressive,” said Jennifer Leve, a lawyer and partner at Dickinson Wright.
Shen Yun draws its inspiration from China’s 5,000 years of civilization and virtues, which ancient Chinese people believed to be inspired by the Divine. Theatergoers were touched by their efforts and took note of a deeper message.
“Spirituality and being connected to life, and as you refer to in the show, the Divine. So I relate to that, that you go back to your roots and make sure you’re connected to that. And that’s what really gives you serenity and happiness in life,” said Charles Hanna, an author and a philosopher.
“What is happiness and true contentment, where does it derive from? I think Shen Yun really speaks to that,” said Mr. Lieberman.
He feels that Shen Yun’s message is also important for the world of today.
“I think the message that Shen Yun is bringing to the world of inclusiveness, of something bigger that brings us all together, we need that now.”
“It was very unique. I love the dance, but I also felt the message was very important, especially right now in terms of hope and spirituality,” said Carolyn Berger, the managing director at Berger Legal Search.
“All the stories that were told today, that I understood, brought a feeling of hope and positivity,” she added.
“Invoked a sense of power, and made my heart stop, my breath was held,” said Sheridan Munch, a dance teacher at Bayview School of Ballet.
She said it felt as if there was a powerful presence during Shen Yun’s performance.
“Made you feel as though there was this great presence within the room, and someone was there to save the day, fix what was going wrong.”
Shen Yun has an all-new program every season, including new dances, music, stories, and backdrops. Audience members applauded Shen Yun’s artistry.
“The performers, between the musicians, the dancers, the singers, I think they did a great job on bringing that Divine into life,” said Quincy Mutter, a martial arts teacher.
“I would definitely encourage them to try to come see Shen Yun, if not this year, possibly next year, or the many years it continues to be a part of the world,” said Ms. Munch.
Shen Yun travels the world with 8 companies simultaneously and will continue to perform through May this year.
NTD News, Toronto, Canada
