Shen Yun Performing Arts has brought a display of 5,000-year-old Chinese culture to Vancouver with its first performance on March 20. Among the audience members was Elena Suleymanova, the 2017-2018 winner of the Beauties Of 5 Continents International Pageant. It was her third time seeing Shen Yun, and she described being captivated by the performance all over again.
“The costumes, the choreography, the complexity of it was outstanding. And I just love how the whole picture looked together, the whole performance came together very beautifully and captivating,” said Ms. Suleymanova.
“I enjoyed the stories today, the love that they show the humor. It was all funny moments. And there were of course sad moments, where people are in dark times. There is always this emotional moment where I get tears in my eyes, to be honest,” she said.
“I love how they show the culture where faith and honor and integrity plays an important role. And I think this is the message that we should be putting out there for any country, any culture,” she said Suleymanova.
“This is what brings light to our life and this is important in every human being. To have faith and to be close to the Divine.”
Joseph Lopez, who is a radio host at The Filipino Edition, said Shen Yun was outstanding and further described it as “heavenly”
“The choreography is excellent, too precise, and the combination of digital media and the actual dancing is just unique,” said Mr. Lopez.
Marat Ideatuli, a project manager at Komandor Vancouver, said Shen Yun was “absolutely mind-blowing.”
“We’re absolutely blown away by the richness of traditional Chinese culture, by the quality and the dedication of the performance,” said Mr. Ideatuli.
Shen Yun aims to revive traditional Chinese culture and values as they were before communism—a culture that was believed to be inspired by the Divine. The Chinese communist regime has sought to break Chinese society’s belief in the Divine since taking power in 1949.
“I’m glad that you are doing this to show what China was before communism,” said Mr Lopez.
Sean Lalji, general manager at Landmark Cinemas Guildford, touched on the cultural loss modern China has experienced, as portrayed in the performance.
“It’s so sad to hear that it’s been taken away from the culture, and it’s not being exposed to the rest of the Chinese people, where the culture comes from,” he said.
“They’re good stories, they’re fun stories. There are some that are very enlightening, there are some that are fun and fighting stories. It’s beautifully done. Very, very outstanding.”
Shen Yun showcases China’s 5,000-year-old civilization through dance, music, and stories. Theatergoers added they found inspiration in the values depicted on stage.
“Keep spreading, keep doing shows. Keep bringing the awareness out to all cultures, all cities. Let them know. I think the intent behind it seems very pure. It seems just to connect people and bring awareness,” said Mr Lalji.
Shen Yun will perform in Vancouver, Canada, until March 25.
NTD News, Vancouver, Canada
