Shen Yun Performing Arts wrapped up two shows in Portland, Maine on Feb. 10. The theater was packed, with audience members lining up an hour before the show started.
“It’s quite moving. I’ve tried not to cry several times.” said Shri Verrill, senior project manager of York County Soil and Water Conservation District. “Even when I was waiting in the wings, the music is just so expressive. And then the dancers are just like, throwing all of their visual, physical energy expressions for us to experience this. It’s quite moving.”
“No words were needed.” said Timothy Lewis, former owner of Midtown hotel and host of “Chasing Time.” He said he could just feel the emotions from the dancing: “It really filled my heart with compassion and kindness.”
Allen Cook, senior pastor of Grace Ministries International, said it was great that Shen Yun emphasizes heaven in its performance. “We know that communism is atheism, you know, it’s anti-God. So it’s really amazing that you’re drawing attention to that, that your roots are more in divinity than they are in an atheism or communism.”
On top of classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun also features singers using traditional bel canto techniques.
“[The baritone’s] voice is very smooth and resonant. And I thought, wow, he’s not only singing beautifully, but sharing a very powerful message.” said Ms. Verrill.
Herb Clarke, owner of Chameleon Coatings LLC, said he loves Shen Yun’s message. “The most important thing of human beings coming from the divine and then being able to hopefully return to the divine if we remember our path,” he said.
Shen Yun is currently touring across the United States, Europe, and Asia. with companies set to visit Florida, Arizona, and South Carolina in February.
NTD News, Portland, Maine
