Shen Yun began its five performances in Newark, New Jersey, on March 4. Audience members said it was incredible.
“We thought it was fantastic, as good as we heard it would be. I thought the choreography, the costuming, and of course, the dancing, the movement was just beautiful,” said Marcello Pedalino, founder of MMP Entertainment and Event Production.
“I think the heart behind the dancers and their passion for what they do came out. And their incredible dedication to their craft was so evident today. It was great,” said Jill Pedalino, owner of Healthy Kids Pediatrics.
“This is my first time. It was absolutely wonderful. The music was incredible. The dancing was incredible. And I love the storytelling, it was just really a wonderful experience,” said Steve Neuhaus, county executive of Orange County, New York.
“It was excellent. I think all the performers were very professional, the harmony throughout the whole performance was great. And the messages were great,” said Qasim Ahmad, head of Oncology Clinical Development at Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation USA.
Shen Yun’s mission is to bring back China’s 5,000 years of traditional culture, which was nearly destroyed by the communist regime.
“I think it’s a beautiful mission. I think we’re losing a lot of our heritage as a people, as humans, in today’s agenda of what the people of today want for us to know. And I think bringing back that old, ancient wisdom is beautiful,” Mrs. Pedalino said.
“I think it’s really great because making sure you have your history and background is so important, especially for the future generations, too,” said Ryan Chiu, a senior associate at Silicon Valley Bank.
Theatergoers said the performance brings out positivity and hope.
“I think that’s what a lot of those messages showed, that in the toughest times, we’re going to have somebody that’s going to come, the Creator, and help us,” Mr. Neuhaus said.
“Oh, I feel touched. My heart was opened tonight by the dancers and … the message that they portrayed of unity and a bigger, bigger message in the world than what we’re seeing today. And that gave me hope for the future,” Mrs. Pedalino said.
“Fantastic. Just keep bringing joy to people, keep doing what you’re doing. You’re doing very important work,” Mr. Pedalino said.
“And if there’s anyone here who doesn’t walk out of here thinking that they want to make the world a better place and be a better person, then I think they must have had their eyes closed and were sleeping half the time, because it was just so much inspiration and joy coming from this performance tonight,” he added.
Shen Yun will be performing in the city until May 7.
NTD News, Newark, New Jersey
