Theatergoers sold out the David H. Koch Theater at New York City’s Lincoln Center on April 11 and 12. The audience eagerly awaited the moment the curtain rose to reveal 5,000 years of dance, music, and history.
“The dancers and the music and the musicians, everything is perfect so far. I was in tears seeing the amount of training and everything they do to become so beautiful and so inspiring. And of course, also telling the story about China and their story, it’s incredible,” said Analia Farfan, founder and artistic director of the International American Ballet.
“The show shows peace, it shows beauty without description, beyond measure. It’s an experience that captivates you from the beginning when you enter and starts with the colors and it really shows the essence and character of Chinese people,” said Malena Towers, soprano singer and music director of Saint Mary, Mother of God Church.
“The music is wonderful. It’s visually beautiful. It really gets you involved in the story. I like the storytelling. And I just think it’s very well assembled and it ties the story together beautifully,” said Tracy Spadola, vice president of strategic data operations at Verisk.
Shen Yun draws inspiration from China’s rich heritage to present stories from ancient legends and folktales, but also shines a light on modern-day communist China and its persecution of spirituality.
“I think that’s a travesty and that should go away. I’m not sure it will, but being able to see that [Shen Yun] I think will make a difference for all the Chinese people. The story it told about China and what’s going on over there and how they brought it to America to really show what the Chinese people want for their country versus what they have,” said Pete Caltabiano, founder and CEO of C-Suite IMPACT.
Ms. Towers added: “They are believing in this ancient tradition and then the communist comes and then they get persecuted. That was so touching and so, so heartbreaking for me because it showed the death of this young woman. So brave, she was showing [that], her life was important, she was helping people, she was helping the elderly and it shows values and beautiful things.”
Audience members said they were inspired by Shen Yun’s mission to revive traditional Chinese culture.
“Now I’ve gotten a whole different view of what China was years ago, centuries ago, actually. So that’s certainly been very inspiring. I think it’s a good idea. I think it’s a shame that some of it was lost. And it’s good to see that it’s being brought back. And so many people are coming to see it and enjoy it,” said Martin Feuer, a retired bank director.
“Just keep going with their craft and keep inspiring the people because they inspire not only the people who came and joined, they inspire people in their daily life and the dancers like me to keep going, performing, and just keep on going,” said Michael Anufriiev, a professional dancer.
Shen Yun will next perform at The Performing Arts Center in Purchase, New York from April 18–21.
NTD News, New York
