MESA, Ariz.—Embodiment coach Sigrid Tasies attended Shen Yun Performing Arts for the first time at the Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center on the evening of Feb. 12. She was deeply moved and captivated by the experience.
“When they were dancing, I could just feel the purity and the innocence of the people on the stage,” she said. “So, I was really touched by that. I could just really feel the devotion to their spiritual practice.”
The New York-based Shen Yun was founded in 2006 by elite Chinese artists who had fled persecution by the communist party.
For 5,000 years, China’s traditional culture flourished under the shared belief that the divine will bless those who uphold moral values. Tragically, within just a few decades of the communist party’s violent takeover, these beliefs were replaced with atheism.
The mission of Shen Yun artists is to return to the world’s stage—the glory and beauty of China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture.
Ms. Tasies firmly believes that the performance will have a positive impact not only on the audience but on the world as a whole. She loves that Shen Yun is reviving China’s spiritual heritage and upholding traditional moral values.
“I’m just so happy that more people get to see what’s actually happening and understand, because everybody should be allowed to just be free. Also, to meditate and pray and connect with God in their own way. … [That should be] a basic human right,” she said.
“So, to feel the beauty of the performance is super entertaining. It’s amazing, the music and the dancing.”
Reflecting on the artists’ story-based dances dedicated to raising awareness about the Chinese communist regime’s persecution of the people of faith, she said, “It’s good for people to know and be more aware of what’s actually happening [in China.]”
While Ms. Tasies said she would be traveling soon, she hopes to learn more about traditional Chinese spirituality and Shen Yun upon her return. “I’m curious. Just to learn more,” she added.
To meet popular demand, Shen Yun has expanded from one to eight equally sized companies since its founding, performing simultaneously in packed venues around the world. Each year, the artists return with a brand-new program and original compositions, offering a fresh and exciting experience for both new and returning audiences.
