Expressing meaning through dance is something Shen Yun dancers are known for, whether it be a classical or modern story, traditional values, or an uplifting message.
For Fred Eeisenberger, the mayor of Hamilton, Canada, Shen Yun did just that, and he was pleased to see the best of traditional Chinese culture displayed through dance and music. Eeisenberger watched Shen Yun perform at Hamilton’s FirstOntario Concert Hall on March 22.
“I find it absolutely brilliant in terms of color and dance,” he said.
“It’s been very inspiring. The Chinese culture has got a lot of history, probably not as well-known in Canada and North America as it should be, and certainly this is helpful.”
According to folklore, ancient Chinese culture was passed down from the divine—including its music, medicine, calligraphy, clothing, language, and much more.
“It’s one of the things that I personally sort of felt as I was watching–especially at the beginning–the feeling of hope,” said Christy Allen, a lawyer and founding partner of Davidson Houle Allen LLP.
“It really brought everybody as I said, one,” said Kristina Shea, owner of skin care company Blue Skies Beauty. “To see all of the different expressions from culture to history to story, the costumes, the colors, it just represented hope and optimism.
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive the once-glorious culture of China that was almost lost under communist rule.
Through a series of campaigns such as the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese Communist Party destroyed almost all traditional beliefs and customs.
Shen Yun aims to revive this traditional culture of China and share it with the world.
“People have a yearning and an urge to capture something beyond themselves, and I think the Chinese culture really speaks to that,” Eeisenberger said.
Amy Swanston, vice president of Government Affairs for Medtech Canada, said ancient Chinese culture is something that should not be forgotten.
“I think we’re so saturated by media and news, and you sometimes only get one perspective. And I hadn’t thought about what China was like pre-communism. And now that’s why I’m so curious. I’m like, “Well, I want to learn more,” and I wish I could go and see it like that, but that’s not there. So I love that you’re going back to tell that story because they’re worth 5,000 years versus a number of decades.”
Shen Yun will continue its tour across Canada in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Edmonton.
NTD News, Canada
