Shen Yun Performing Arts returned to California’s capital for four performances at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento. Some of the audience said they could feel the joy and spirit of the performers.
“There’s great joy in the dance, and each particular dance seemed to have a story that was worth telling. It wasn’t just ‘look at the extravaganza here.’ It’s got some depth and meaning in each individual piece that they represented, so I’m grateful that they put this together. Very grateful,” said Dennis Peck, CEO of Beth Hallel Messianic Fellowship.
“I thought it was without rival. I was so impressed,” said Frank Hall, Director of Clinical Operations of EK Health. “I love the choreography that they had. I thought it was very well done. And what I was telling one of your people is that I really enjoyed the emotion that was expressed. It’s very difficult to express emotion through dance, and these people did it flawlessly.”
“The orchestra actually was the first thing I noticed. I feel like they are so well-trained and very together. Their articulation is amazing and nearly flawless in a lot of areas. I was noticing, ‘Wow, they are so professional. So on the ball!’ Everything,” said Lacy Cope, a music teacher.
“We just came out of COVID, I guess still going through COVID a little bit. I think a lot of people saw a lot of stress, a lot of anxiety during that time so I think it’s really nice to come together and see the message and be out with people,” said Senica Gonzales, CEO of Harmony Legal.
For Jim Chong, a radio host, it was his sixth time watching Shen Yun.
“I think it really always changes. It’s getting better and better. But I think it’s just unique how to integrate the screens and just the performing arts,” said Chong. “It’s a highlight and the history of China, and it is our culture. So, how can we not just enjoy it?”
“I think it’s such an important culture, and a history that we need to know about. And it’s wonderful to see people who are trying hard to introduce this to other people who don’t know the culture. And it’s wonderful to revive it,” said Austin Cope, a dentist.
“I believe the name Shen Yun, and the fact that the dance has what they called divinity within it,” said Peck. “It’s divine—it shows a form of spirituality that they express through their movement, through the culture, through the ancient ways of the Chinese. I wasn’t aware of it, and that’s what I’m going to take with me. A little bit of goodness.”
Shen Yun shows moments from China’s 5,000-year history. Aside from portraying different dynasties and ethnic groups, the artists also show modern-day China. Under the Chinese communist regime, people of faith are persecuted for their beliefs.
“We know there’s a whole message like the one we just saw about the things that are happening in terms of human rights and against, you know, the religion … and also the organ harvesting. I mean, there’s a serious message to it,” said Chong. “But I feel very honored. It makes me grateful to live in this country, but also very humbled about things that are going on in China right now.”
“The person who was speaking … talks about this persecution and things that are still going on today,” said Gonzales. “So in that regard, very sad, but then also gives me much appreciation for where I’m at today but also a message to continue learning about the world and inspiring my daughter in the next generation coming up to do the best that we can.”
“I think the biggest portion is because when they see something like this, it’s also going to strike a chord in their own selves or within deep in their heart,” said Hall. “Because they need to understand that this is, again, a human emotion and our existence that we all share alike. There’s nothing different about how somebody in China feels, how somebody here in the states feels, or any other place in the world. Because we all have that human connection.”
“I think our world is in great need of more religious inspiration and help, and I’m grateful for those who are helping to do that,” said Mr. Cope.
Shen Yun aims to revive China’s divinely inspired culture, when people lived in harmony with heaven and earth.
“I believe it can be healing and it really pulls on your emotions. And I think … we’re talking about how it’s more divinely inspired. I feel like it can make you feel the spirit and feel the divine inspiration of some things,” said Ms. Cope.
“Their dance appears to me to do a good—I would say job at repairing the broken world, one dance step at a time. You know, bringing a little goodness into the world, in this manner,” said Peck. “And I think their lives are very well spent in this particular effort.”
The group heads to Reno next for two performances at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts.
NTD News, Sacramento, California
