Shen Yun Performing Arts took audiences from Downtown Los Angeles, California, on a journey through ancient China at the Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Jan. 18 and Jan. 19. Audience members were captivated by the artistry, and some were left speechless.
“I was just blown away. I thought it was incredible … [It] took my breath away,” said James Siegel, a lawyer. “My words are failing for me, but they’re so perfect in their dance, and they’re so well practiced.”
“I only want to watch things that really uplift me and that are creative and beautiful and that have a message,” said Jennifer Ginsberg, a psychotherapist. “And this hits every mark for me. It’s telling a story that can’t be told in China because it’s not safe to be told there, and it’s being told here. And it’s a beautiful, beautiful story of classical Chinese dance and the spirituality of it.”
“The beauty of all of it, you know, the colors, the little stories, the performers are amazing,” said Rosi Gabl, a costume designer. “And, I mean, the costumes are just, you know, a must-see. So it’s very, very touching and very spiritual and beautiful.”
“I think they convey their emotions and they’re feeling quite beautifully. You can see in their expression and their movements everything that they’re trying to say,” said Albert Soto, an entrepreneur.
“The way that it was done, you know, the mix of the film with the dancing was really outstanding. Really, really enjoyed it. Very innovative,” said Ingrid May, a former business owner.
Shen Yun draws inspiration from China’s 5,000 years of traditional culture and virtues from before communism. Ancient Chinese people believed that culture was inspired by the Divine, and audience members said they were inspired by the hope it brought them.
“There are some very powerful messages about communism and how it really dampened and tried to crush all the beautiful meditation and spirituality and how it still rises up through it,” said Ms. Ginsberg. “I feel just so much light and hope and inspiration. It’s just exactly what I needed today. I’m so happy to be here.”
“My personal take on this would be that we need to get the Divine, the hope. We need to have that belief,” said Joseph Canales, who is an engineer. “Sometimes we have to embrace that to guide us to be better in life. And I think that is an excellent message.”
“The elegance of it, the history, the way that it flows. It makes it almost like their history is an art. It’s incredible,” said Diana Newton, a senior fraud investigator.
“The dancers know where they have to be, and so when you look, they move as one. And that’s just incredible. It’s just beautiful to watch,” said Nix McCoy, who is a business owner.
Shen Yun will perform at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts in Jacksonville, Florida, on Jan. 21 and Jan. 22.
NTD and The Epoch Times are media sponsors of Shen Yun Performing Arts, covering audience reactions since 2006.
