Based in New York, Shen Yun tours the world each year on a mission to showcase 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture from “China before communism.”
“They get a 10 from me,” he said.
Mr. Méndez said the performance introduces audiences to Chinese culture, and “certainly puts us in context of what art is, what culture is, but more than anything else, what the idiosyncrasies of the East are.”
He said Shen Yun is “worth seeing and appreciating.”
Awilda Herrera, an entrepreneur, model, and TV personality, called Shen Yun a “mix of emotions, culture, colors, and music.”
“It truly reaches you, moving all your senses and making you think beyond,” she added.
Through classical Chinese dance, a live orchestra, and creative stagecraft, Shen Yun gives audiences a glimpse into a divinely-inspired ancient heritage.
Grisel Rodríguez, a doctor, shared her experience. “I loved the costumes, very beautiful costumes. And I also liked the softness, the way they dance so gracefully.”
Hiram Rodríguez, an accountant, agreed. “What caught my attention most was the delicacy of all the clothing of the ladies and gentlemen, which transports you to the time they were in 300 or 400 years ago.”
He also praised the Shen Yun Orchestra. “I loved the orchestra that combines Chinese instruments with classical ones.”
Each performance showcases ancient values and wisdom found at the heart of traditional Chinese culture and resonated with many theatergoers.
Mr. Méndez said, “As I was watching the performance just now, it's simply their ability or artistry to convey a positive message, messages of reflection, messages of thought, messages that one simply has to reconnect with nature and with one's inner self.”
Ms. Rodríguez shared the message she received after seeing a story-based dance from the performance: “I loved the story of the mother and the son, where they stood by their beliefs despite him being arrested, mistreated, and tortured. Well, when he returned, he hadn't lost hope, and for that, he was rewarded and became well again.
“That teaches us that we must always persevere and we must believe in what we think and defend it despite all circumstances.”
Ms. Herrera said that Shen Yun artists have presented a “masterpiece” and likened the performance to “an incredible jewel.”
