Shen Yun wrapped up its last two performances in San Jose at the Center for the Performing Arts with two full houses on Dec. 26 and Dec. 27.
“I really appreciate the beauty and the history behind it and all the design behind it. I really do. I think it’s the vibrancy and the way that it was choreographed. Just, you know, tells a lot and the whole story and the way it was really put together,” said Kelly Leanos, an architecture and construction designer. “It was very, very thoughtful. And it was just was gorgeous.”
“I wish we can see the orchestra a little more ‘cause that’s part of the show,” said Kevin Foster, owner of Kevin Foster Construction. “And it brings the feeling of the show to you, you know. Especially being live music and not recorded.”
“It was interesting to hear the story behind each one of the dances because you can see the history and the culture and in relationship with divine power. I thought that was really impressive,” said Sam Chuck, an attorney.
China was once known as “The Land of the Divine.” Much of the attire ancient Chinese people wore was also inspired by those worn in the heavens, and the people lived in harmony with heaven, earth, and humankind. Shen Yun’s mission is to revive that culture.
“And I didn’t realize, you know, the divine creator and part of that history for China. It’s been really eye-opening for me,” said Dane Dickson, director of research and development at The Clorox Company.
“I love the divine side very much, I love that there is a history. To me, it brought a lot of education about your history, about the Chinese history, and that was really interesting to me because I don’t really know that, right?” Leanos said. “And I think that part of it, the communism, that was really interesting too, seeing how you’re not allowed to celebrate certain things that you might believe in, in your faith.” She said watching Shen Yun helped her understand the suffering Chinese people has experienced.
“There is a lot of history before communism,” said John Cummings, managing director at Applied Materials. “And the persecution, and that was mentioned there is very troubling.”
Under the Chinese Communist Party, people are not allowed to freely express themselves or their beliefs. Traditional Chinese culture has also been suppressed and was nearly lost after the Cultural Revolution.
“It’s great to see different cultures and to have different programs and to teach people that there’s something that’s being lost in a country that’s such a major power in this world,” Chuck said.
“It’s important to learn from your history and so you stay close to your history and you can continue to evolve and get better over time,” Dickson said.
“Beauty is good for everyone,” Cummings said. “It’s good for your heart. It’s good for your spirit. It’s a good education for my kids who I brought here today.”
After San Jose, Shen Yun will have two performances in Berkeley on Dec. 29 and 30.
NTD News, San Jose, California
