‘Beautiful, Authentic, Fabulous’: Shen Yun Draws Praise in Jacksonville

NTD Newsroom
Shen Yun
Shen Yun Performing Arts finished up three performances at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 28. Audience members were impressed by the artistry and skill of the dancers and musicians.

“I absolutely love it. The pageantry, the color, the athleticism to be able to pull off those dances and the illusions when they’re coming from the digital screen onto the stage is simply fantastic,” said Charles Guarria, the host of the talk show, ‘The Opinion Guy.’

“I think they’re beautiful. I was sitting in my seat, and I was mimicking some of their hand movements because I love how they finish their lines and their feet,” said Deanna Stotler, a business analyst at JPMorgan Chase. “And I’m surprised at how athletic everyone is. The men, they get so much height in the air. It’s just amazing. You can tell that they put a lot of hard work into what they do.”

Lila Bayless, a business owner, said, “I think that you can see all the work that really goes into it. You know, I read the stories beforehand, and then you were able to hear the interpretations, and then see the dance, and just put it all together. It just really hit home. It was beautiful. That’s all I can say.”

Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture from before communism, through a display of classical Chinese dance and music. Theatergoers appreciated the rich history shown on stage.

“I’m very impressed with how they present the 5,000 years of civilization. And I’m very interested in knowing more about the history of China based on what I’ve seen. And we’ve seen it twice, and we love it,” Mr. Guarria said.

“I’m so appreciative to be getting insight into the ancient Chinese culture, to see the beautiful costumes and the dancers, how they move through their bodies. They dance very big. Their movements are very elegant, and I’m just grateful to be experiencing it all,” said Ms. Stotler. “I think they’re doing an excellent job with all of their stories and the beautiful scenery. I have my son with me, too, and he’s enjoying what we call the Chinese magic. That’s what it looks like when we’re watching the show.”

Drawing inspiration from China’s rich cultural heritage, each performance presents a theme of spirituality and faith, something the communist regime in China has sought to destroy since coming to power in 1949.

“I love the dancing. The whole thing is fabulous. The colors are great. The costumes are truly authentic. And I’ve always wondered why. Well, I kind of know, you’re doing it here and not in China,” said John Dieterman, an engineer for FEMA.

“I think it’s sad that these things are still happening now, abroad, home, everywhere. It’s a different world, and I think we need to come together as individuals and appreciate each other’s cultures. Respect each other and just do better in general,” said Ms. Bayless.

Shen Yun will continue the U.S. portion of its tour in cities including San Francisco, Austin, and Dallas.
NTD News, Jacksonville, Florida

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