DENVER—After performing in Denver in January, Shen Yun Performing Arts came back to Colorado again from March 8–12.
This is what entrepreneurs and theatergoers had to say after watching Shen Yun at Denver’s Buell Theatre.
“I thought it was really good, you could tell that the dancers and the performers were timed very nicely to the orchestra, so it was as if they’ve been playing together their whole lives,” said Juan Gluth, CEO of GoodBelly.
“The intermixing of the technical with the classic dance was amazing, and the way that they could kind of jump out of the back and then go back into the mystical and fly was really, really entertaining and really beautiful,” said Jason Wareham, managing attorney at The Law Center P.C.
Steve Baker, principal architect and owner of Baker Architects, said there’s “a special thing that happens” with Shen Yun’s backdrop, and it’s “pretty wonderful to see.”
“It’s kind of surprising, and some pretty good visual effects, and computer animations just going on there. I love that,” Mr. Baker said.
“The singer was incredible. Her voice was absolutely amazing. The pianist was equally as good. It was absolutely beautiful,” said Michael Bergren, owner of WIN Home Inspection.
Since 1949, the Chinese Communist Party has been persecuting communities of faith as it tries to destroy China’s 5,000 years of heritage.
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive that culture through dance and music.
Mr. Wareham said the performance is essential.
“I think we’re all aware that information is tightly controlled coming out of China—and as an American, I’m only kind of tangentially aware but for something like this to actually communicate what might actually be going on and communicate the kind of the history or the culture to an American body that doesn’t really see that very often, I think, is an amazing opportunity,” Mr. Wareham said.
“I thought it was depicted well, and that’s very interesting and very informational for people who aren’t aware of the situations there. My daughter, in fact, thought that was a very meaningful one about the persecutions,” Mr. Gluth said.
“Being able and seeing a story played out to bring that more to light to help liberate people or it’s for people to be well-aware of what is going on over there—is a very big thing,” said entrepreneur Zachary Yates.
Mr. Yates attended the performance with his wife, Kayla Yates, who’s wanted to see Shen Yun since she was a child.
“It’s heartbreaking to think how much persecution people in China go through if they’re just trying to live out their faith nowadays, so seeing that [dance], that really impacted me the most,” Mrs. Yates said.
“I loved the tie-in from the ancient times and the dynasties and then what’s going on to what’s going on currently into the world today and where we want to keep the cultures and combine everything as best we can,” said Aristotle Karas, an entrepreneur and professional auctioneer.
“I’m a big fan of the older ways, of less technology and more heart and more … art, science, and nature,” Mr. Karas said after watching with his family.
“I could feel them pulling in the elements— the water, the fire, the metals, the earth and I also felt a reminder that a lot of it begins in the heart, and if we can stay true to what is calling our heart, then we’ll be better off for it as a people,” said Katerina Cozias, a media personality and author.
Shen Yun has a new production every year.
“The fact that it’s every year different—like, now we’ll just set it on our calendar,” Mr. Wareham said, who attended with his loved ones.
“I’d say it’s very relevant for people to see, and I am glad I brought my kids for them to see it,” Mr. Gluth said.
NTD News, Denver, Colorado
