Shen Yun Performing Arts hit the stage at the Miller Theater in Philadelphia on March 9 and 10 with sold-out shows. Theatergoers were taken on a journey through China’s rich culture that was inspired by the divine.
Shen Yun received a citation award from Philadelphia City Councilwoman Cindy Bass. Ms. Bass applauded the show and called the dance company an inspiration.
“Everybody has to see Shen Yun. It’s wonderful. It was really very inspiring, it taught a lot of history, and gave a lot of really good information.”
“I’ve seen a lot of Broadway shows, but this is a very different program. I like the fact that it’s telling stories from a different perspective, that is traditional Chinese dancing and Chinese storytelling. And I also like the way that the backdrop is incorporated into the stories. It’s very clever,” said Kim Kalishek, partner of FourFront.
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive the essence of ancient Chinese culture, history, and morals from before communism.
“For someone who knew very little about the struggles of free thinking in Chinese culture, it kind of enlightened me as to the way that free thinking was stifled over the years and how the culture is really still trying to keep it alive in the form of dance and music. So we enjoyed it a lot,” said Jeffrey Egnatovich, the director of graduate studies at Caldwell University.
“It’s a comprehensive cultural experience. China is a rich country with rich traditions and history. The civilizations go back, thousands of years. And by being here today, I really kind of felt like we were able to span the country and to get different experiences from people in China,” said Brian Mattaway, a councilperson in New Castle, Delaware.
Shen Yun’s performances tell stories of ancient legends and myths to modern-day China, including the current persecution of faith.
“But it’s great for the world to really hear that message, I hope the show spreads more and more people get to hear the message of what China was and what China is now,” said Steve Sigman, director of engineering at Comcast Cable.
“The people, not the government, the people of China are the ones that are suffering. They are the ones that are suppressed. They are the ones that are not allowed to flourish. And that’s what the world needs to know. They need to see that so that we can unify with the people,” said Damian Luna, the founder and CEO of D’Lunar Management Services LLC.
Traditional Chinese culture is rooted in spirituality, the dance company showcases these beliefs through classical Chinese dance and music.
“So I think that people deserve to have a faith and belief system in their lives. And I think that people, regardless of how challenging it may be, having that foundation is just so important. Having a spiritual foundation is everything,” said Ms. Bass.
“It was really interesting to see the connectivity between a lot of different countries and cultures in respect to a higher being. And knowing that we’re not here alone, and that we have a mission on Earth to do good. And I truly believe that good will always conquer evil. And I was able to see that today,” said Mr. Mattaway.
“They speak of the creator, whoever religion you follow. And in these times that we’re going through right now, these are the things that we need to do. We need to realize that there is a creator and that there is still hope and there’s still faith,” said Mr. Luna.
Shen Yun will stay in Philadelphia until March 17 performing seven more shows. Ms. Bass encouraged people to watch it. “The best show I’ve seen in a long time. Something that’s really going to lift people’s spirits and that they have to come see. It’s an experience. It’s more than just a show. It’s an experience.”
NTD News, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
