On Jan. 16, Shen Yun Performing Arts visited Columbia, South Carolina for their first performance in the state. They were welcomed by proclamations from both the governor and Columbia’s mayor, Daniel Rickenmann.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster wrote: “From the magnificently designed scenery to the graceful dancers, gifted artists, and talented musicians, the performance will be fascinating and inspiring as you are transported through 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture.”
Sarah Grace Allen, the winner of Miss South Carolina for America Strong 2023 said the “costume was beautiful. The sets were beautiful. Just everything was just, it just had like a heavenly quality to it. And I felt like I was transported into a different realm.” She added: “I’m a ballroom dancer. So, I’m particularly, you know, interested in the dancing. And I thought the women were just absolutely graceful. And the men were also graceful, but incredibly strong. You got to see both sides of that.” Ms. Allen also mentioned that she “was so impressed. It was amazing. I was just like a little kid the whole time, just so enthralled.”
Ms. Allen appreciates Shen Yun’s mission: to revive China’s five millennia of traditional culture. “I think it’s a beautiful mission,” she said.
Ms. Allen added: “I think the more that we can support that and support the arts and be a place where they can safely feel that they’re able to express that, I think it’s a beautiful thing.” She said “it just made me really remember to pray for the Chinese people for a better future for them. And I’m very touched by the performance and for this whole show, by showing us the beauty of the Chinese culture, and, and hopefully, it will be beautiful once again.”
Ms. Allen said the performance gave her hope: “I thought it was a very prophetic message about how we are going through dark times.” She added that “but in the end, it will all be good again.”
She also said: “I was so blessed by this performance, and I hope they know how much of a blessing it is to those of us who watch it and I can’t wait to come back again.”
Shen Yun’s next stop in South Carolina is North Charleston on Feb. 13.
NTD News, Columbia, South Carolina
