Shen Yun performed at San Diego’s Civic Theatre last week. Using classical Chinese dance, music, costume, and visual backdrops in tandem to tell stories of ancient myths and legends—as well as current issues surrounding modern-day China.
Phil Barney, CEO of Barney Hospitality Group, LLC, said: “The bravery to give such an anti-communist version of life, it was really encouraging. I’m so grateful when you think of the oppression that goes on everywhere, certainly in China, and to see that people are longing for freedom and truth. It’s a remarkably wonderful thing.”
“I think it’s not only gorgeous, but I’m loving how it’s telling the story through movement rather than through words,” said Tiffany Borne Jones, fractional COO at Magnolia Roots Consulting.
Daniel Schuessler, a program manager, said: “I really liked the span of time to see ancient times, some of the folklore and the history there, as well as more modern times.”
Shen Yun means “the beauty of divine beings dancing.” Through the medium of classical Chinese dance and music, each performance takes theatergoers on a journey—embracing traditional values and themes of spirituality and divinity.
Chuck Plante, a chiropractor, said: “The way that Shen Yun presents the concept of peace and harmony, not only with nature, but with God, with our fellow humans. I think it’s a beautiful thing.”
Scott Thompson, owner of Scott C. Thompson & Associates, said: “I think it was very inspiring to see that kind of message. Especially for younger people, maybe not having a background in it, so that they can see there’s hope in the world, and there can be happiness in this world too.”
Barney said “truth, compassion, and forgiveness. That’s pretty much what I took away from that is—we are all just equal to each other, and there is no better or worse. And it was moving to see that we all long for that divinity, that answer and however we come to it. We traveled many different roads, and it’s a beauty to see that everyone all over the world has that longing.”
