Argentina National Deputy ‘Deeply Moved’ Watching Shen Yun

NTD Newsroom
Shen Yun
BUENOS AIRES—Audiences in Argentina’s capital were mesmerized by Shen Yun Performing Arts, the world's premier classical Chinese dance and music company. Patrons such as Congresswoman Marcela Campagnoli saw the performance at the Teatro Opera in Buenos Aires on April 17.

“I’m leaving here deeply moved,” said Ms. Campagnoli, a national deputy of Argentina.

“I also really enjoyed discovering Chinese traditions—the dance, the spirituality, the legends,” she said.

Nestor Dona, a certified public accountant, also saw the performance.

“I came with my family when I became aware of the magnitude and quality of this show,” Mr. Dona said.

“I’m a fan of theater and musical comedy, so I didn’t hesitate and truly enjoyed it in every sense. The choreographies, the digital backdrops, the costumes, the performers’ grace—it's really something to recommend,” he said.

Nicolás Minoliti and Leonardo Freire, both dancers, appreciated the performance.

“A beautiful display,” Mr. Minoliti said. “The truth is that the quality of the dancers is beautiful. The costumes they use, the music, the choreographies are very beautiful; the precision of all the dancers is truly enviable, of a very nice international level.”

“Echoing Nicolás's words, I also want to express the feelings that these dancers make us feel,” Mr. Freire added.

Based in New York, Shen Yun’s mission is to revive genuine traditional Chinese culture. The patrons appreciated the legends to modern day stories of the current persecution of faith happening in China.

“The strongest impression I had was the emotion I felt witnessing that artistic discipline, that devotion for what they do, and their spirituality—it truly moved me,” said Ms. Campagnoli.

As a spiritual person, she said she resonated with the Shen Yun experience.

“And then, the importance of freedom, right? The horror of the persecution. I know more officials were planning to attend today but were pressured by the Chinese government not to come,” she said.

Juan Martín Fazio, a lawyer, believed Shen Yun had original elements and “a lot of professionalism on stage.”

“There’s a real spirit up there, which isn’t something you see every day. I think it’s the kind of show I’d love to see at Buenos Aires’ biggest theater, the Colón. I think they’re missing out on it. It’s definitely worth taking the chance to come see it. You shouldn’t miss it,” Mr. Fazio said.

Constanza Mazzina, director of political science at a university, said Shen Yun was a demonstration of freedom of expression.

“It showed how, through art, one can communicate the importance of living in freedom. And the message that stayed with me is that art flourishes in freedom and in democratic contexts, and that even through art, we can fight for those values,” Ms. Mazzina said.

Carlos Casesse, a marketing professional in the beverage industry, noted the cultural aspect of the performance.

“What it allows us to do is connect a bit with this millennia‑old culture,” Mr. Casesse said.

“Everything—the music, lighting, staging, choreography, etc.—was fantastic. It felt, as always, like an exceptional show,” he said.

Ancient Chinese culture is said to be divinely-inspired, and this was portrayed on stage—something that audience members found inspiring.

“I’d say it’s something completely different—you're not going to see anything like it,” said Silvia Fachinsky, commercial director at a retail shopping center.

“To me, it’s unique. You just have to sit down and let yourself be carried away. And the explanations before each act, given by the hosts in both Chinese and Spanish, are so helpful,” Ms. Fachinsky said.

She found the masters of ceremonies allowed her to be “really engaged the whole time.”

“Don’t miss it. It’s fabulous, it’s inspiring, and it’s moving,” she said.

María Victoria Pinto, a lawyer, said the entirety of the performance was stunning, from the dancers to the music.

“And then, there's the message of strength from the people who follow Falun Dafa and fight for what they believe is right. That’s really important,” Ms. Pinto said.

Introduced to the public in the early 1990s, Falun Gong teaches the three principles of truth, compassion, and tolerance. It has been persecuted by the Chinese communist party since 1999 as the practice surged in popularity.

“I think the fight of Falun Dafa practitioners is admirable,” said Eduardo Prestofelippo, journalist and director at Data 24.

“And what they’re doing with Shen Yun deserves more recognition. It really needs more visibility and exposure in Argentine society.

“I believe that if even two out of every ten Argentinians practiced Falun Dafa or had the chance to experience Shen Yun, we would have a very different society,” Mr. Prestofelippo said.

NTD News, Buenos Aires, Argentina

NTD is a media sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts, covering audience reactions since 2006.