Shen Yun concluded its five-day performances in Prague, Czech Republic, on May 4. Audience members applauded the art group for bringing 5,000 years of Chinese culture to life.
“The music, the art, the acrobacy of the dancers, how well they can perform with the music, how it's done together, I thought it was very eye-opening. ... It's a learning curve for us and seeing how well they stick to the traditions and the way they can perform it even at this time after so many, so many thousands of years, and I think it's pretty impressive,” said Radko Gudas, a Czech ice hockey defenseman and the captain of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League.
“I'm completely blown away. The colors, the music and the grace of the movements, and the individual stories appealed to me very much,” said Lenka Šmerdová, department director of the Czech Red Cross.
“It was a really, really treat to see how well they do all the things together, how they're synced in and how much they enjoyed the music. And you can feel the music going through them. So it was really, really fun to see today,” said Mr. Gudas.
“I really liked it. It’s a glimpse into another world—something extraordinary. Beautiful choreography, stunning costumes—great experience,” said doctor Jiří Havránek.
“I love the Himalayas and the mountains, so I was in heaven while watching this dance. It was amazing,” said accountant Petra Braune.
Mr. Gudas praised Shen Yun for delivering a powerful message.
“It's a peaceful, nice, commends to the dancers. And I think it's important for everybody to learn from the different cultures the way they've done it. And if we can learn from this and have the peace inside, I think it's a great, great thing for us. And I think it's important for youth and for the kids to see as well to find a different level of calmness. ... So I think it's a really powerful message,” he said.
“We forget sometimes about the values and traditions like we have and getting a little touch and getting a little reminder of what traditions mean and how it's been done, I think it's important for the whole culture and for the whole people to see and maybe step back and feel the culture that was here for thousands of years before.”
“[Shen Yun brings] surprise, definitely satisfaction, and a sense of calm,” said Martin Podhráský, doctor and former Olympic shooter. “I think they are succeeding. I believe it’s very attractive, and for many people, it’s an incentive to take more interest in it.”
With the tagline of "China before Communism," Shen Yun's eight companies brought more than 700 performances to over one million audiences around the world this year. However, it is not allowed to perform in China.
“We live in Orange County in LA, and we just had a big performance there as well from Shen Yun. So we flew to Czech Republic and it's the same performance. It was pretty cool to see them there all over the world. And you know, people are wanting to watch it and they're they're selling it out. So it's important. And I think people around the world love it. So I feel so sad that people in China can't see it,” Mr. Gudas said.
“I took the meaning that peace and tranquility, peace and tranquility of mind are important, even in that country, that the situation should be different than it is now. I still feel sorry for what is happening in China,” Ms. Braune said.
“It’s truly wonderful that, given the situation currently unfolding in China, you are able to uphold the foundations of freedom and democracy,” Mr. Havránek said.
“Let them keep it up, let them keep going and let them spread the message around the world,” said Richard Burger.
“Thanks for having such a great performance. Thanks for living it like you do and really bringing us into your culture from thousands of years. So thankful for that,” Mr. Gudas said.
