“I am fascinated by the costumes, the choreography, the story lines, being able to follow each story, and the expression of all the dancers. I think it’s fantastic,” said Marilyn McCawley, the vice president of HR at her company.
“It’s exciting. I think it’s something that somebody ought to see at least once. I think it’s interesting how each scene is like a story that they’re telling, and you kind of get caught up in the story,” said Michael Hager, a business and finance specialist at the University of South Florida. “I mean, I know it’s hard to tell how much time they spent rehearsing, but you can tell, just all the movement is perfect. They’re in uniformity, with a lot of talented people.”
Ms. McCawley said, “I think the music complements the choreography well. It really helps you get a sense of the different emotions as they go through the different steps and dances, and explain the story. I think they complement each other really well.”
Based in New York, Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture from before communism, through classical Chinese dance and music.
Steve Pike, a pastor, said, “I loved the music. The live orchestra, especially with the addition of classical Chinese instruments. The soloists really added something to it, and the beautiful, professional playing.”
Ms. McCawley said, “I think there’s something to be said about being able to pass that on from generation to generation. I think it sends a strong message of the history, the culture, and the faith that they have, and being able to pass that on. I think it’s important.”
“The piece about how they had to battle with their faith and how being able to defend that, I think it’s something that, at least in this country, we take for granted, and so to be able to see that they had to battle against that, I think, is both inspiring and also makes you appreciate the freedoms that we do have,” said Ms. McCawley.
Mr. Hager said, “I thought it was really interesting that they’re not allowed to perform this dance in China, actually, even though it’s about China.”
“I think it’s encouraging to see the number of people here who were enjoying it, and it gives me hope that people would stop and ponder and reach out to God,” said Mr. Pike. “It’s a good thing to use your youth and your strength to work hard and bring light to a dark world and a dark time. And it’s a worthy thing to work hard and try to make the world a better place.”
