Among the audience was Jon Ryan Neace, an entrepreneur who praised Shen Yun for showcasing the true cultural roots of the Chinese people.
Mr. Neace said, “I thought it was amazing. I thought from the costumes, to the choreography, to the music. It was just absolutely amazing. I think everybody should go see this.”
Jeffrey Rose, a clinical hypnotist, said, “It’s fabulous. It’s my fourth time coming. I came here in 2014 for my first time, and then three years ago, and actually last year as well. And I love coming all the time because it’s always a different show.”
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, a culture the Chinese communist regime has been seeking to destroy. The company also exposes the Communist Party’s persecution of faith, and it is one of the reasons Shen Yun cannot perform in China.
“I think it’s great. I think what’s happening in China right now is awful. And I think more people need to see this and things like this to understand the roots of where the Chinese people are from,” said Mr. Neace. “All history should be celebrated. Even if what’s happening doesn’t necessarily mesh with what happened, I think we should still be able to see, and people should understand the history, the culture, the tradition of the Chinese people.”
“I think it’s humble, it’s spiritual, and it makes us think outside ourselves, and not be so materialistic,” said Mr. Rose. “I think it’s just like—be a good person. I like the whole idea of meditating and being at one with nature. That’s always a good message, and it’s universal for everybody.”
Steve Bienemann, a human rights commission member in Suffolk County, said, “Thank you for all that you do. It’s clear that you put a lot of time into your art, and we certainly appreciate it.”
Mr. Neace said, “Keep up the good work. You’re doing amazing things. You’re getting your message out to the people, and I think that’s the best way to do it. Even if you can’t get it to mainland China, you can get it to others who know people over there, and maybe you can make a difference through the artistic expression. Keep up the good work. You’re doing a great job.”
Mr. Rose said, “Thank you for entertaining us again, and we’re going to keep seeing you year after year.”
