MODESTO, Calif.—Theatergoer Chris Neville, a cancer doctor and researcher, was moved by the spiritual aspect of Shen Yun’s performance at the Gallo Center for the Arts on Jan. 8.
He said the performance resonated with his belief that all people come from the divine and are children of God.
“Shen” means divine or divinity, and “Yun” means feeling or rhythm. If beautiful beings came down from the heavens and danced before your eyes is the idea.
Dr. Neville attended the performance with his wife, Cathy, and both said watching the performance made them very happy.
Shen Yun dancers are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.
Dr. Neville said he really enjoyed the dancers’ skills and flexibility and how they danced with a smile on their faces.
“It’s incredible,” Dr. Neville said, “I like that they respect their elders. I could see that in the script.”
New York-based Shen Yun’s productions focus on expressing traditional values and showcasing China’s rich culture before communism.
Dr. Neville took note of the dances, which are based in modern-day China, that depict the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution of followers of Falun Dafa, a spiritual practice that teaches the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.
“The evil of the Communist Party, like atheism, is bogus, it doesn’t work, it never has. I like that we rely on the Divinity, God,” he said.
Dr. Neville said how the Chinese Communist Party controls its population is a crying shame.
“They need the truth. They need freedom and a free market,” said Dr. Neville.
Each Shen Yun performance is a combination of unforgettable music, dance, stunning costumes, and immersive digital backdrops.
Dr. Neville said the high definition of the backdrop was “Amazing!”
A live orchestra playing original music accompanies each dance piece. Bilingual hosts provide the audience with background information so they can better appreciate the experience. Each performance also includes two to three classical vocal and instrumental solos.
Dr. Neville noted that he has seven children who are all very good musicians and that he liked the coupling of Eastern and Western instruments in the orchestra.
“The music is impeccable,” Dr. Neville said.
Reporting by Lily Yu and Keegan Billings.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
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