Shen Yun Performing Arts, a renowned dance and music company, continues to captivate audiences across the globe with its performances. On Jan. 3, Dante Bidwell, Chief of Staff for the mayor of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, had the pleasure of attending his first-ever Shen Yun performance.
“The art form is incredible. The music, the dance, the athleticism and acrobatics, I thought was super impressive. It was beautiful,” he said.
Impressed by the artistry and talent showcased on stage, Mr. Bidwell expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the mayor herself to next year’s performance.
The Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and members of the city council officially proclaimed Jan. 3, 2024, as Shen Yun Performing Arts Day in honor of the company’s incredible talent and cultural significance.
Lousiana was not the only state recognizing Shen Yun, other states like in Missouri also recognized Shen Yun with a welcoming letter. On the same evening, the Mayor of Springfield, Ken McClure, declared Jan. 9, 2024, as “Shen Yun Performing Arts Day” in the city.
Audience members also shared their thoughts and emotions after witnessing a Shen Yun performance. Attorney Doug Fredrick expressed his awe at the representation of traditional Chinese culture, which he believes is rarely seen elsewhere. Lynn Morris, presiding commissioner of Christian County, Missouri, emphasized the enriching experience and encouraged more people to witness it.
“I think you can see the compassion. You can see kindness. You can see a lot of the good virtues,” he said. “I just think more people need to see it. And I’m really glad you all came to Springfield.”
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive the essence of traditional Chinese culture, which has been overshadowed by decades of communist rule. Through their exceptional dance and music, Shen Yun artists express China’s rich cultural heritage and virtuous values. The performances not only captivate audiences but also educate them on the compassion, kindness, and divinity reflected on stage.
Emanuela Tommasi, a professional classical dancer, praised the depth and beauty of the values presented by Shen Yun. She expressed her regret that such messages cannot be freely shared in China. “It’s not describable, I mean I cried, I think, for half a show. The music, the movements, this beauty … It’s indescribable,” she added.
“The beauty of the movement, the coordination of all the dancers … A mixture that is not just ballet as I studied it, it is something that goes beyond, because there is so much more. It’s … exciting, beautiful to see.”
Maurizio Marrone, Councilor for Italy’s Piedmont region, attended the performance in Turin and commended the show as a powerful representation of spiritual identity, tradition, and freedom.
“These are all values that we believe in very much, and we are glad to see them all represented together in a show that really moves [one’s heart],” he added.
The performances have left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Mr. Marrone acknowledged the profound impact on Turin residents while Ms. Tommasi described her own emotional experience, expressing that the beauty of the movement and coordination was beyond description.
Numerous attendees have urged others to seize the unique opportunity to witness traditional Chinese music, costumes, and dancing intertwined harmoniously in one extraordinary show.
Shen Yun continues its performances across the globe with 8 companies touring simultaneously.
NTD News, New York
