New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts took to the stage on March 9 and 10, bringing a revival of 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture to Spokane, Washington. The dance company performed at the First Interstate Center for the Arts, leaving audience members inspired by their artistry.
“That was crazy, just to see how so much of the art and the music has carried on because of people being dedicated to carrying on those traditions, in spite of not being promoted maybe in their own country, but then people that really want that value, that culture, carrying it on. It’s really inspiring,” said Elisha Voetberg, a social media influencer.
“I’m dazzled, this is just an enlightening event. Truly, truly, culturally so refined, and so uplifting,” said Sister Mary Eucharista, consultor at Mother General’s Council at the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church.
At the center of traditional Chinese culture and history is a deep belief in spirituality. Shen Yun’s performances shine a light on these values through depicting stories of ancient myths and legends, along with pieces about modern-day China and the Chinese regime’s persecution of faith.
“My heart was moved with not only compassion for all of God’s children, but for the history of China and all the many things that the people of China have gone through. Both in history, ancient history, and in modern history, and the struggles that they face today. It really opens up your heart and your eyes to what’s happening throughout the world,” said Ben Flinders, executive director of Park Manor Rehabilitation.
“Hearing more about how so many other values were found in religion and the acknowledgment of there being a God, and when you take that away, you lose all your values and all your history and your tradition. And your civilization crumbles and your culture crumbles because of that. So I think that foundation, that you have to acknowledge there being a higher power of God, is where all values come from,” said Mr. Voetberg.
“Due to these materialistic ideas and greed and animal drives, you have a yearning for the divine, which the West has forgotten about. And we should probably all go back to these common roots,” said Serban Olaru, owner of dental practice Mountainside Oral Implantology & Prosthetics.
“I just pray that what’s there now, the regime, to find either their way of being a better people and be more forgiving, and not to be so much of a persecution, but also cherish the history and China … I thought Shen Yun was such a beautiful production to explain that,” said Greg Balzli, a retired senior project manager of Chemtrade Logistics.
Shen Yun will next perform at the Keller Auditorium in Portland, Oregon, from March 14 to 17.
NTD News, Spokane, Washington
