SAN FRANCISCO—Audience members shared their reactions after experiencing Shen Yun Performing Arts. The artists performed from Jan. 2 to Jan. 5 at the War Memorial Opera House.
“Each one of those people is a master, and they’re dedicated to such a beautiful artform,” said Jessica Rios, writer and founder of Leaning Into Light.
Ms. Rios said she was deeply touched by “the beauty, the striking color, [and] the incredible dedication that goes into a performance like this.”
Vivek Mittal, a manager at Amazon, said he was glad for the “exposure to Chinese culture.”
“Very nice. Visually stunning. Great music,” Mr. Mittal said.
J.R. Nuerge, a fashion consultant and owner of Shop Your Closet, said, “I love the costumes, the colors, and the dancing, the acrobatics, and the message.”
Based in New York, Shen Yun’s mission is to bring back genuine culture through dance and music. From legends to myths, Shen Yun also portrays the ongoing persecution of faith by the communist party in China, where Shen Yun is banned. Despite that, they’re welcomed across the world to share their mission.
Ms. Nuerge said she’s glad that Shen Yun was performing. “They’re spreading the message here to us and to our whole population, so I’m going to recommend it very highly.”
She saw the performance with her friend Jennifer Meighan, a senior analyst at a software company.
“I love the mix of the ethnic dancing, the classical, the acrobatics, it’s just so impressive really,” Ms. Meighan said. “And the joy on some of the dancers—all of the dancers’ faces—they’re smiling, they’re joyful. They’re just clearly enjoying themselves.”
The origin of Chinese culture is considered to be divinely inspired, and Shen Yun is trying to revive the essence of these values.
“I love the message about the divine Creator, and also that we descended from the heavens, and we can return to the heavens,” Ms. Meighan said. “I love that. I think it’s beautiful.”
Mrs. Rios said, “I feel deeply touched, inspired, and I feel like I have more trust that humanity is going to be okay.
“When all of us come together to lean into the divinity in our hearts, miracles can happen.”
Reporting by David Lam.
NTD News, San Francisco, California
NTD is a media sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts.
