Shen Yun performed at the Tobin Center in San Antonio this weekend. Its mission is to revive 5,000 years of rich Chinese civilization and culture from before communism.
Daniel Hernandez, security manager at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said: “I think it’s a shame that we’ve lost that but I think it’s a great thing that there’s a mission now, to revive and to bring it back. I think it’s really important, especially for that part of the world, given how old that culture and heritage is, and how it fed other cultures as well. I mean, it’s a big part of the story of human life I believe.”
Donald Rogers, retired director of a cardiac catheterization lab, said: “I’m concerned about things that are going on in China with the [communist] party. I think some of the traditional values and the culture of the people that can’t go away, that has to stay in place. When I think of their rich heritage, you know, 5,000 years is a long, long time, and that can’t just vanish. You know, it’s so incredibly important to keep that alive and keep it moving forward.”
“I’m glad that they have a voice. You know, we’re so silenced today with [the] media and the fact that you can speak without speaking, dance, and the music, it brings it all to life. And it tells a story. You can be mute and still tell a story and that’s what they did,” said Kimberly Webb, a licensed realtor at Texas Premier Realty.
Classical Chinese dance is an art form that has been perfected over many dynasties. Shen Yun’s dance pieces range from ethnic and folk dances, to stories of ancient myths and legends, to portrayals of current issues involving China’s persecution of spirituality.
Kayla Golliher is the founder and lead audiologist at Acro Audiology. Both she and her husband Jordan Golliher have seen Shen Yun three times.
“They’re amazing. We come here every year because they are so amazing. They work hard. We know you can’t put on a show at this caliber and not work hard.”
“Awesome dance and a lot of energy in the dance obviously, as well. So all of that put together I think was very energizing,” said Mr. Hernandez.
Terra Tisdale, founder of Prescription Assistance Program Services, said: “I thought it was beautiful. I love the flowers and how everything came to life, and right after that was ‘Sleeves of Grace.’ So beautiful. It was so beautiful. So flowy and everything just came to life. It was very beautiful.”
Shen Yun Performing Arts returns to San Antonio on Feb. 17 and 18.
