At the first stop of Shen Yun Performing Arts’s European tour, the classical Chinese dance company performed in Florence, Italy, for five days from Dec. 27. Audience members said they were impressed by its mission to revive traditional Chinese culture.
Marinela Ardelean, an international wine expert, said that “after five shows on Broadway last week in New York, I didn’t think I could find something that would still excite me.”
She added, “I have to say that I’m really, really moved by the cultural approach.”
Ms. Ardelean said that the show “was really moving and exciting. Not only good, but a message that I think could be embraced by various cultures around the world.”
Matteo Angioli, the secretary general of the Global Committee for the Rule of Law, said that “the show is a triumph of colors, melodies, and traditions that make China a country that we need to know, and that is much more than what we are used to seeing.”
“I enjoyed it immensely and am eager to see much more,” said Scurtu Petru, the vice president of the Romanian Community in Italy.
“When it was over, I felt like a child who wants his favorite cartoons to continue, longing for more and more.”
“I would even like to stay until tomorrow morning if it were possible,” he added.
Shen Yun incorporates classical Chinese dance and music to bring to stage legends and stories from the more than 5,000-year-old traditional Chinese culture. Audience members at Teatro del Maggio said the preservation of such traditions is important.
Mr. Angioli said, “Behind every story, there are thousands of people, there are traditions, there are different cultures that enrich China and the world.” He added that it’s “important that they are not forgotten, that they are not put back or just ignored. These are traditions that enrich, first of all, the Chinese people, not only the Han, but all ethnic groups and, therefore, the whole planet.”
Gianluca Sperati, a surgeon, said that the performance is “more than a message, an experience, a positive experience, something that we don’t usually see and, therefore, a world and a culture that is completely different from ours and that we were able to appreciate in various facets with this show.”
Mr. Petru said, “This event is significant because our ethnic heritage is one of the most important things that contribute to our collective growth.”
“I think it’s important to really spread this word, this culture, this tradition,” said Mr. Angioli. “Because the beauty of this performance is that it shows multiculturalism and the multiplicity of traditions and cultures.”
Audience members had a few words for the artists, including Mr. Angioli.
“Congratulations for putting in place and practicing, as explained to us … not gymnastic techniques but classical Chinese dance techniques. And keep it up because it’s really an exciting show.”
Mr. Sperati said: “Congratulations! Compliments from all points of view, professionally prepared, very good and really… congratulations!”
“We’ve become huge fans … words can’t express our admiration,” said Mr. Petru. “I encourage everyone who can, to come and witness this spectacular show.”
Next stop for Shen Yun in Italy is Turin, where they will perform from Jan. 9 to Jan. 16.
NTD News, Florence, Italy
