“I was really impressed. It was an impeccable performance. I was just left with such a sense of beauty and awe for the precision that it was done. Very appreciative. I’ll carry that with me for a long time,” said Lori Robb, a musician.
John Robb, a prominent Christian leader, said, “The coordination and the way that they all danced at the perfect timing together. And the music, again, was just gorgeous. I love that, the two-stringed instrument [the erhu] that the lady played so eloquently, and so I think it’s magnificent.”
“I thought it was amazing. I wish there were more performances like this,” said Katie Boylan, the owner of Cottonwood Family Medicine.
Ms. Robb said, “The fact that it brings back culture, going back 5,000 years. 5,000 years, that’s just amazing. It really is an eye-opener. And so, yes, it’s got an aesthetic beauty that everyone needs to see.”
Dale Dodd, a commissioner and a deputy administrator, said, “[Shen Yun] just keeping the tradition alive. They’re not letting it get wiped out.”
In addition to tales of ancient myths and legends, Shen Yun also tells the modern-day stories of courage under communist oppression in China, resonating deeply with audience members.
“It gave me a perspective of how much of the persecution that is still going on is based upon their wanting to embrace this very docile spiritual connection to the Creator, and how they’re still being very much persecuted for it. And I love that they’re still trying to pursue through that and continue to embrace that, even though it’s not always easy, and sometimes painful, horrible, bad things happen to them. So I love that they’re still embracing their spiritual peace, and it was wonderful,” said Julei Morgan, a retired registered nurse.
“I think it needs to get spread out more and get people to realize what’s going on,” said Mr. Dodd.
Mr. Robb said, “Communism’s harmed every culture, every nation where it’s been, and people need to realize it’s an evil thing. It’s a deception and evil.”
Shen Yun’s performance displayed themes of spirituality and faith, values found at the origin of traditional Chinese culture, which some audience members felt a connection to.
Ms. Boylan said, “I just absolutely loved it. It was also encouraging, because I didn’t know that that kind of hope existed in China. So I thought that was really beautiful to see that there’s people that still believe in that.”
“I just think it’s culturally so unique, very profound. And education, educational,” said Ms. Robb.
Mr. Robb added, “You learn about that Chinese culture, absolutely, because most Americans are ignorant of China and the culture, and so I think it’s a good thing for Americans to come and other nations too, to be part of this. Everybody will be impressed.”
