Crystal Reitz, a makeup artist said, “Oh my goodness, it was absolutely visually stimulating. It was beautiful, it was colorful, it was engaging. I feel like I need to see it again. There’s so much to see in this production, and I think you should see it a second time, just to make sure that you fully grasp the whole show.”
Jasmeet Minhas, an accounting firm owner, said, “It was amazing. It was beyond this world. It was so fascinating. I loved everything, the costumes, the storyline, the dance, the moves, everything was amazing.”
Mariya Udovenko, a pianist, said, “I feel very happy. I feel very energized. I received a huge amount of energy, very positive energy after this show, after seeing all those amazing dancers and hearing this beautiful music. Music is as beautiful as traditional Chinese music. The instruments are also very unique. I can say that the accompanist is also great because it was very, very balanced with musical instruments, and the quality was just breathtaking. Everything was great.”
Ms. Reitz said, “All very engaging that made for a very multi-level viewing experience. So not only do you have these beautiful performers, you have this background that comes to life, and then you have the enjoyment of the orchestra in front of you that makes it very real.”
Ms. Udovenko said, “Learning about traditional Chinese culture, because this covers the last 5,000 years, I understand the changes and the spiritual connection of people and music and dance; everything just moves me very much. I think it’s a great mission. I think it’s very important for people to know about this culture, because originally, I also come from the Soviet Union and similar situation. And of course, it’s important to know what was the culture before communism in every culture which happened to have it.”
In addition to ancient myths and legends, Shen Yun also depicts modern-day stories of courage in the face of spiritual persecution, and is one of the reasons that Shen Yun currently cannot perform in China.
Ms. Udovenko said, “It’s very sad; it’s very horrible that those things still happen nowadays. And people need to know about it, and we probably should do everything to make people know about those things which are happening.”
Ms. Minhas said, “No one should oppress someone because of their religion or their beliefs. I hope Mainland China can experience the freedom that the people deserve.”
Ms. Udovenko said, “Artistic Director, great job. Very, very good job. Fascinating. The only one. I believe there is no [other] company as Shen Yun in the world. It’s the only one.”
Ms. Minhas said, “You guys are doing such a wonderful job.”
