Haneda Fumio, a former government official, said, “The production was truly wonderful in every aspect. The dancers were incredible even down to their fingertips. You could see their focus and dedication.”
“I felt a lot of energy emanating from everyone dancing on stage, and I feel so energized and refreshed,” said Shizuo Kono, a former company executive.
Hiroki Shimbo, a former company director, said, “Each individual performer seemed like the result of spiritual cultivation, almost like something sacred. I felt a beauty and elegance that is truly lacking in this day and age.”
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of Chinese culture and values from before communism, which resonated with many of the audience members.
“The performance showed a side of China that’s different from today, which was very touching,” said Shigeru Yamashita, a company executive.
Takeru Sakamoto, the head of a surveying firm, said, “It showcases the positive aspects of China’s long history and traditions to the world. I think it’s a very meaningful effort.”
“It has a lot of ups and downs. The music has a powerful drum beat, it becomes dramatic, and then they start dancing, and the power of the transition to action is amazing,” said Urakawa Tetsuo, a company CEO.
Oshie Rie, the director of a women’s nursing center, said, “I was seated in the very front row, and right in front of the percussion section as well. The sound of the ground trembling during the crescendo, the contrast between the quiet parts and the crescendo was fantastic, and I felt that the frequencies really had a healing effect, as if our bodies were being balanced and kept alive, and that frequency was being harmonized.”
Hara Satoko, a kimono etiquette and styling instructor, said, “The sound of the Erhu strings felt like it vibrated through my whole body, almost touching something deep inside, like it stirred the heart.”
In addition to ancient legends and folklore, Shen Yun also portrays stories of faith and resilience in the face of persecution in modern China.
Ms. Rie, who is also a musical theater producer, said, “Even though there are governments that persecute and there’s a lot of unfairness in the world, if people keep faith and help each other in accordance with natural principles, there will ultimately be salvation. That message came through strongly. It felt like a universal truth that goes beyond countries and languages.”
Mr. Shimbo said “Unlike many modern forms of dance, this performance carries something that resonates deeply on a spiritual level. That is why I come back every year.”
