Shen Yun Performing Arts graced stages in Knoxville, Tennessee, West Palm Beach, Florida, and Jackson, Mississippi, from April 27–30. Audience members say they marveled at the beauty and grace of the performance.
Andy Soldo, a former city official, said Shen Yun is “the epitome of beauty and grace and yet with the message of truth and things that are going on in China, going on in the world.”
“I just feel very relaxed watching it. It’s just magnificent,” said Colin Wright, a partner and executive vice president of Buena Vista Hospitality Group. “They’re telling the story through their dance and their motions and their actions.”
“The colors were vibrant and everything was phenomenal, it was quite an eye-opening experience,” said Tucker Parrish, an account executive at WATE 6 On Your Side.
“The level of talent, and obviously the training that goes into it is quite remarkable. And then the melding of the interactive background with the live performers. I’ve never seen anything like that. It’s very, very creative,” said Roger Raftery, a psychologist.
“It was great energy, it was really good energy,” said Darrell Hofheinz, a journalist and editor of the Palm Beach Daily News. “I learned a lot about divinity in ancient Chinese culture, which was very interesting. And obviously, the acrobatics that go into Chinese dance especially. It was very beautiful.”
Shen Yun aims to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture and values. A culture that the Chinese Communist Party has systematically tried to destroy after rising to power in 1949.
“There’s a great war taking place against traditional cultures,” said Mr. Soldo. “It’s very important that people are aware of that, and that those of traditional culture are willing to stand up for truth.”
Jett Heukensfeld, the senior national account manager at Granite Telecommunications, said that “it brings more awareness to what’s really going on there. Because I didn’t know that was happening until I watched the show.”
Shen Yun launched in 2006 and now has 8 companies touring the globe simultaneously. Every year, they bring an all new production full of original dance pieces and music.
“Why haven’t you gone? What’s going on? It’s an absolute delight and once in a lifetime opportunity to go and enjoy yourself,” said Mr. Parrish.
“Congratulations, performers. You are undoubtedly some of the most accomplished athletes I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I wish you the best of luck in any endeavor you ever go into, although you are already superhumans and incredible performers across the board,” said Leeda Allen, a graphic designer and artist.
Caitlyn Giannetti, the Academy Principal of Central Baptist Church, said “thank you for all your hard work and for all that you did. It definitely shows. And keep moving people all around the world.”
“The beauty of divine beings dancing, that’s exactly what they were, divine beings dancing,” said Emily Perkins, a choreographer and dancer. “It was a really therapeutic experience, it was emotional.”
Shen Yun will perform at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida, from May 8–11.
NTD News, New York
