Shen Yun Performing Arts started 20 performances in The David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City on March 5.
“I think it’s absolutely marvelous,” said Jeff Nitka, who is the IT director of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation.
“It was really positive,” said Peter Bianco, who is in banking and real estate. “The show was full of grace and beautiful colors and beautiful people.”
From legends to ethnic dances, to stories about modern-day China, Shen Yun uses story-based dance to bring the ancient values back on stage.
“Learning about a culture that goes back to 5,000 years is quite mind-boggling and remarkable,” added Bianco. “The way they moved, the grace, the gentleness, it’s all over the show.”
However, since the Chinese communist regime took power, it sees traditional culture as a threat to its power.
For over 60 years, members of religious institutions were imprisoned or killed in a systematic approach to destroy traditional culture.
Inspired by courage in the face of communist oppression in China today, Shen Yun brings those modern tales on stage.
The audience was especially moved by the story called “Abetting the Wicked,” which refers to the persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners that is still happening in China today.
“Stories where one of the practitioners is being persecuted for his belief, and how the announcer said that you would never see this show in China because of its … I guess the reverence for the spiritual history of the Chinese people. I thought that was the more moving of the performances today,” said Nitka.
“The one’s about hope that was really moving about the show,” said Bianco. “The Chinese people have been under communist control since 1949, and it’s a terrible thing. In the show, it shows that someday they may be free again.”
He added that the show brought him positivity and an uplifting feeling after the performance.
“Very calm, very peaceful and feeling good,” said Bianco. “I would say it’s a great show to go to. It’s something, not only will you be entertained, but you’ll also learn something.”
Shen Yun will continue to perform at Lincoln Center until March 29.
Before the first performance started in New York City, nearly a hundred state officials in New York issued awards and gratitude to Shen Yun for sharing the traditional Chinese culture with New York and the global audience.
NTD News, New York
