Shen Yun ‘Uplifting’ And ‘Good For The Soul,’ Says Company CEO

NTD Newsroom
Shen Yun
On Feb. 18, Shen Yun Performing Arts captivated audience members at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis, Tennessee. Theatergoers were mesmerized by a glimpse into the rich traditions of ancient Chinese culture.

“It felt like you were kind of in a dream. It was so magical. You were seeing the performance and the music, it was just all blended. It was just wonderful,” said Carter Ridgway, a company CEO. “It was really uplifting. It was good for the soul. You felt good after watching the whole production.”

“We love it. It's very, very exciting to watch the vibrant colors, the movements are so fluid, they make it look so easy, and obviously it is very disciplined and very difficult. So we appreciate the hard work, we appreciate the production. We appreciate the opportunity to share in the skill and discipline that goes into a performance like this,” said Jeff Martin, a flight instructor.

Shen Yun’s mission is to show the world 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture from before communism. They are based in New York and cannot perform in China today. Audience members expressed their appreciation for Shen Yun’s efforts and the values brought to life on stage.

“Culture is important. And I think it keeps the people together, and it's a good thing if you have a good culture that's teaching good human treatment to other people, which this seems like all the stories that was telling in there. It was good, it wasn't anything taking advantage of others. It's all helping and for the better good of society,” Mr. Ridgway said.

“I think it's awesome. I think it's very brave too, to take on a culture that is not friendly to what it is you want to accomplish. And so I highly respect that,” Mr. Martin said.

“Not having seen that type of scenery and that type of dancing before, it just enlightened me to the point that a lot of work goes into this type of thing, and that's commendable for all the dancers and the program in general,” said Gene Kennedy, a former pastor.

Shen Yun will be performing at the Miller High Life Theatre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Feb. 22 and Feb. 23.
NTD News, Memphis, Tennessee

NTD is a media sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts, covering audience reactions since 2006.