Audience members welcomed New York-based classical dance group Shen Yun to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida, from May 8 through May 10. The company tours the world showcasing a revival of over 5 millennia of Chinese civilization and values—often leaving theatergoers in awe of the culture’s rich history.
Justin Loach, attorney at JD Loach, Attorney at Law, said, “It’s very beautiful and it was unexpected. Very nice. I enjoy it. I didn’t know it was going to have such diverse storytelling, and it’s been very beautiful so far.”
Jay Mejia, a real estate agent at My Florida Real Estate Group, said, “I think other cultures actually should learn from this because it’s really good that Chinese are trying to revive this and involve other countries and other cultures so they could learn about it, because it’s really nice to learn from where we came from.”
At the heart of Chinese culture is a deep-rooted belief in spirituality. These values are showcased through stories of ancient legends and folk tales along with stories regarding communist China’s persecution of faith groups.
Ms. Mejia added, “There were a couple of performances that we really liked, that I was moved by them. But I think especially the one that talked about how the persecution is right now in China, and how you can as Chinese citizens, you can’t follow your beliefs without being persecuted. That’s sad. And I think it moved me a lot.”
Cullen Williams, director of legal services for Holiday Inn Club Vacations, said, “It has such deep meaning. It’s often hard to put into words. Being able to be free and being able to not be punished for your religion is something very deep, something very important. It’s refreshing to come and see the production, and their effort to make it as attractive. It has a lot of truth that seems to come through with it.”
Through each performance, audience members said they took home universal values like freedom, compassion, faith, and kindness.
Mr. Loach said, “It’s touching to see that they’re carrying on that tradition and trying to spread that message of freedom and expression, and doing it through dance and storytelling.”
Jim Reichle, founder and owner of Jim Reichle & Associate, said, “I loved it and to add to that, there’s a compassion in life that was shown tonight on the stage, and the kindness issue, and the helping each other and giving to each other. It’s so very important in our world, and to see that tonight, I had tears in my eyes a few times.”
Berni Bachatera, a professional bachata dancer, said, “It shows the whole world about the culture, not just that, but also the values of kindness, of being faithful, the power, and all these things people in the world forget. But through this dancing, they’re able to really embrace what is important in life.”
Translated to English, Shen Yun means “the beauty of Divine beings dancing.” The company brings an all-new performance to the stage for audiences around the world every year.
NTD News, Orlando, Florida.
