Shen Yun, the New York-based performing arts company concluded three performances in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, over the weekend, leaving audiences in awe of its ability to revive traditional Chinese culture.
The city’s mayor, Ed Gainey, personally awarded a proclamation to the talented group, expressing gratitude for bringing the show to the city.
“I just think it’s a beautiful, beautiful piece of art to demonstrate how you revive lost culture and bring it back to life, and give all, give us the ability to learn about Chinese culture, understanding the beauty of it how it really moved us forward and … a connection in the bridge between the east and the west is always a valuable tool when it comes to learning about one another,” he said.
The recognition from political figures didn’t stop at the mayor’s proclamation. Pennsylvania State Sen. Jay Costa sent a Certificate of Recognition, and Allegheny County Council Representative Robert Macey presented yet another proclamation. Their messages of appreciation showcased the impact the performance had on attendees and highlighted the flawless coordination of the performers.
“This show is fantastic. This is probably the highlight of my spring, winter into spring. Seeing the culture, hearing the music, seeing the beauty that was unraveled before us by young men and young women, the orchestra, the choreography, everything about this show was invigorating,” said David Cubbison, a former public safety director of Bedford County, Pennsylvania.
“Unbelievable, unbelievable in beauty and in grace, and in sound. It was worth every moment being here,” said Glenda Farquhar, the COO of Hugs 24/7 Radio.
Audience members marveled at the level of artistry displayed by Shen Yun.
“Everything about it was marvelous. But it was all encompassing because it was the music, it was the dance, it was the effects, it was the singing, it was the traditional instruments that were used, the piano—the modern as well as the traditional. So every aspect of it was amazing to me,” said Gerald Savage, director of SoundPill. “It was multimedia, if you will. It was everything, so much that included all aspects of the arts.”
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture, which has faced severe suppression under communism. With a history of over 5,000 years, the culture is rooted in faith and moral values.
“It brought the culture of China from its great and glorious history through today to life. The energy that was brought forth from this show shows me that there is a spark—a divine spark within the people who present this. And now I am a fuller person, a more grateful person because I now know more about a culture that I knew very little about before,” said Mr. Cubbison. “I go away from this theater a more complete human being, a more complete member of the world because now I am part of that culture which I knew not of—before this.”
“They gave it their all. This is the kind of performance that you want to come and see because you leave renewed,” he added.
Attendees praised Shen Yun not only for its artistic excellence but also for its ability to uplift and inspire.
“I think it’s very uplifting. I mean I think it’s talking about overcoming challenges, being able to fight for your rights and to make sure that you’re doing exactly what you need to do to keep your culture alive,” said Mr. Gainey.
“It’s a must see. It really is. It’s beautiful. The costumes, the message, certainly the dance, and just the vibrancy of the whole thing. Everyone should see it,” said Monique DeMonaco, an executive leadership coach at Coach Monique & Associates.
“This was something that, to see it live and up front, is something that I want to experience again for sure,” said Mr. Savage.
Shen Yun will be returning to Pennsylvania, with a staggering 10 performances scheduled at the Philadelphia Miller Theater on March 9.
NTD News, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
