Shen Yun Exquisite, ‘Obviously Outstanding,’ and Shares a Relevant Message, Says SVP

PURCHASE, N.Y.—When the curtains opened on Shen Yun Performing Arts, Vincent Amato could only describe the feeling as “gripping.”

“The effects with the mist and the costumes on the dancers; almost made them look like they were floating on air. I thought that was a tremendous effect,” said Mr. Amato, who attended the April 21 performance at The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College with his wife, Rose. “It makes it all come to life.”

New York-based Shen Yun’s mission is just that: as the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company, it seeks to revive 5,000 years of Chinese civilization through the arts.

Tommy Turner, a senior vice president, had heard much about Shen Yun and decided he needed to see it for himself in person to judge.

“I enjoy it immensely. I think the dancing is exquisite,” said Mr. Turner.

The China he saw Shen Yun present was a vastly different one from the China the current communist regime presents, he added,it was a civilization that believed in God.

“This particular culture goes back for centuries, and it’s very educational and very interesting to be aware of all cultures and their interpretations of life,” he said.

“This has added to the spectrum for me of the diversity of cultures that are out there and the practices that the various people have and live by.”

“From a theatrical standpoint, it’s marvelous. I mean, it’s exquisite. The choreography is obviously outstanding,” he said. The vocalist was too, he said, adding that the lyrics had been what he could describe as religious, which he felt important to present in a world that shied away from such topics. 

For five millennia, China was known as the “Land of the Divine” or the “Celestial Empire,” these nicknames stem from the fact that the Chinese people believed their culture to be a gift from the heavens. This worldview was present throughout the performance for Mr. Turner, which he felt refreshing.

“I do think the message is relevant in today’s world,” he said. “Unfortunately, times have changed, and I’m not so sure for the good. We’ve lost a lot, not just in the Chinese culture, but throughout the world, the understanding of why we’re all here.”

“If you believe in the Christian philosophy, I do believe there was a Maker, and we’re here by His grace. And I think, unfortunately, as time passes—there’s less of an appreciation for that by the younger generation. So I hope it’s not gone forever. I’d love to see it return to where people have respect for religion, respect for their country, and respect for freedom, which we enjoy here.”

Reporting by Weiyong Zhu and Sally Sun.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.