Shen Yun Performing Arts returned to Chicago for its 13th year. The performance opening at the Civic Opera House on Dec. 27 and running through Dec. 30.
“I think the performance is excellent. You know, it’s really great. It bring[s] an opportunity to bring our children to see a cultural performance like this,” said Todd Powell, co-founder and president of Vacations By Rail. “And the way that it covers from 600 years, a thousand years old, all the way up to some present-day it seems.”
What makes Shen Yun unique, according to Powell, is the way it connects modern audiences with an ancient culture, one that is steeped in profound meaning.
“I think traditional culture really is the foundation for some of the values and morals that we have,” said Powell. “And it kind of brings those traditions forward, really kind of brings the history alive.”
“From an educational standpoint I think so many times now, kids are looking just online at small snippets of maybe modern life, but to really be able to look back culturally at how, at the arts and cultures of different countries, really kind of brings the world closer to home and makes it a smaller place I think,” Powell added.
“Yeah, it’s a wonderful history lesson,” said Dave Plumb, president of Professional Benefit Administrators, Inc. “And I thoroughly enjoy the beauty of the dress and the music and the dance.”
“I thought it was astonishing. It’s excellent, definitely one of my favorite performance I’ve seen in a long time. I think the traditional culture is important in modern times,” said Rodney Hutsenpiller, residential project manager at Element Homes. “Because it brings us all together.”
“Today’s culture is totally different than it was back then. I think there [was] more respect,” said Mike Reading, Owner of M&J Underground, Inc. “And people were more caring back then. Now, it’s just hustle and bustle.”
NTD News, Chicago, Illinois
