Shen Yun Performing Arts graced the stage of the Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara, California, on March 23 and 24, bringing audiences a display of China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture.
Steven Scheye, a senior process engineer at Hargrove Engineering LLC, applauded Shen Yun for their efforts and marveled at the rich culture brought to life on stage.
“I like the depth of the performance. So much about the dancing and instruments and the ethnic breadth of it, because China is a multicultural country,” he said.
“I think watching the dancers, you feel their energy as they move around the stage. It was quite impressive,” said Sean Kelly, a professor at Santa Barbara City College.
“It’s a beautiful impact with the music, everything lines up perfectly with the storyline. And it brings all the dancing together and it accents the movements in just the right places. Very talented musicians and conductor for sure,” said Jessica Husselstein, a music teacher at Santa Maria-Bonita School District.
Shen Yun aims to revive ancient Chinese culture and values, something that the Chinese Communist Party has systematically tried to uproot and destroy. Theatergoers were deeply touched by Shen Yun’s efforts and took note of a deeper message.
“The message I kept going was that of positivity. That even when there are times of adversity, good triumphs in the end and that there was hope,” said Jeffrey Cushing, a former Principal senior aerospace engineer. “I thought it was very powerful. The golden light that was there and shining through at the end, and how it brought everything together and brought everyone back together at the end.”
“Peace and love was the message. And coming back to the roots of humanity, which is kindness. And I really liked that message about the whole show,” said Katherine Nebrida, owner of City Runner Permits.
“It was a message of hope. And a message of salvation,” said Paula Duddy, a former fine arts educator.
Shen Yun has an all new program every season, including new dances, music, stories, and backdrops.
“It’s inspiring because it’s educational for me. You don’t know about the things you don’t hear about, this is a way you get informed about the things that are happening,” said Noel Skaling, director of Supply Chain Management at Cottage Health. “Informed me about something I didn’t know before, and it’s powerful. I think it would resonate with a lot of people.”
Mr. Cushing said he enjoyed Shen Yun’s performance very much and looks forward to coming back next time.
“It was a wonderful occasion to be here, and it’s inspiring. But also, I’ll be back,” he said.
“Keep going, keep pursuing. You’re making a difference,” said Jeremy Ebenstein, an actor and singer.
Shen Yun will be performing at the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall in Seattle, Washington, from April 3 through 7.
NTD News, Santa Barbara, California
