Audience members in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, just got a glimpse into China’s divinely inspired culture. From March 13 to 15, Shen Yun Performing Arts gave 4 performances at the Miller Theater and were applauded for their effort and artistry.
“The orchestra was spectacular and how they coordinate everything with the animation there. It was spellbinding, it was a magnificent show,” said Keene Jabbour, an attorney.
Eloise Haas-Pride, a dancer, admired the skills of Shen Yun’s dancers.
“I loved seeing the preservation of the classical Chinese dancing. I thought that was really beautiful to see the technique, and you can tell how hard they work on strength and the balance and the flexibility was really amazing.”
“It’s the costume. How they design the costume to give movement. It’s very nice. And the choreography is awesome,” said Guillaume Perrin, the VP of Hospitality at Sun Center Studios.
Since the Communist Party took power in China in 1949, the regime has sought to break Chinese society’s belief in the Divine. Now, Shen Yun travels the world with a mission: to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture and values.
“I think that was a very poignant thing that they brought up and how things in China today are being repressed. And how they want to go back to a kinder society, as opposed to what the communist society has done to them basically,” said William Tarapchak, owner of Starblaze Enterprises.
“Bringing religion and faith back into society, taking away from the material aspects of things basically. It was a wonderful, wonderful part of the performance,” he added.
“I think any persecution of people’s beliefs or speech is not okay, and I’m aware of that persecution. And I like the mission of Shen Yun, that they are working to end that,” said Jose Cintron, owner of Occasions by Cintron.
Some audience members added that Shen Yun brings more to the stage than just entertainment.
“Believing in the balance of the spirit as well as human nature I think is extremely important. And the show did a great job of conveying that message,” said Emily Gorge, an attorney.
“I certainly felt a lot of hope as a result of seeing that message brought to life on stage. And I’m hoping that’s what everyone left the theater with, is believing in something more powerful than yourself,” she added.
“It was very, very touching. Some of the stories really made me think about how things are today and what some people are going through. And it was very interesting looking at the history of China from the past till today,” said Brenda Mennella, a former state senate candidate in Delaware.
“It’s very positive. The performers are beautiful, and it’s joyful. It’s funny, it’s graceful, it’s just gorgeous,” said Joan O’Shea, a neurosurgeon who has been honored as a Top Doc by Philadelphia Magazine and SJ Magazine from 2002 to 2018.
“A spiritual awakening. That’s what I would describe it as, a spiritual awakening. And something that hits you right here, it hits you here, it hits you here, and it stays with you,” said William Willmore, the senior pastor at New Galilee Baptist Church.
Shen Yun presents an all-new program every season, including new dances, music, stories, and backdrops.
NTD News, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
