Shen Yun Is ‘Very, Very Eye Opening,’ Says Maryland Senator
BALTIMORE—On April 28, Senator Mike McKay of the Maryland General Assembly attended Shen Yun’s opening performance at The Hippodrome Theatre.
After traveling nearly three hours just to see the show, Sen. McKay’s expectations were high. Thankfully, Shen Yun did not disappoint.
It was “absolutely wonderful” and “more than what we had expected,” he said.
The New York-based Shen Yun was established in 2006 by leading Chinese artists seeking to revive China’s 5,000 years of civilization that was destroyed by decades of communist rule.
Through classical Chinese, folk, ethnic, and story-based dances, as well as solo musical performances, Shen Yun is showcasing to the world—the glory of China before communism.
Sen. McKay was very impressed by Shen Yun’s dedication and mission to revive traditional culture.
“All the performers have just been marvelous. It was just really, really exciting to understand some of the historical background of the dance,” he said.
“Purity, dedication, and I think, more especially, understanding that we all came from the creator—that’s definitely needed in our world today.”
Referring to the ancient belief that Chinese culture is a gift from the divine, Sen. McKay said it was a pleasant surprise.
“I tell you—it’s been very eye-opening. One of the things I did not know was how much Chinese culture was actually based on spirituality. It was a very, very eye-opening and welcoming revelation.”
Lastly, he would like to thank Shen Yun artists “for sharing the talents that the creator has given them.”
Also in attendance was Maryland Senator Benjamin Brooks. He, too, thought Shen Yun was fabulous and definitely No. 1.
“It was truly awesome. The way they tied in the 3D screen with the [live performance]—the virtual with the real—it was truly amazing!” he exclaimed.
According to its website, Shen Yun’s patented 3D digital technology works together with the performers to “extend the stage to infinite realms” and brings to its audience “storytelling without limits.”
This was Sen. Brooks’ second time attending the show. Knowing how well he enjoyed Shen Yun three years ago, his son bought tickets for him as a Christmas present this year.
“I was very, very much impressed the last time I saw it and was just as impressed this time,” he said. “This was a new one for me. I hadn’t seen this [program] before.”
Every year, Shen Yun delights its worldwide audience with a brand-new set of original choreography and musical compositions. So, even for returning audiences, every show is a surprise.
More than anything, Sen. Brooks was wowed by the traditional values depicted in Shen Yun’s performance.
“It’s something that we can truly grab onto and hold. Values, ethics, integrity—these are all meaningful principles that we should try to live by,” he said.
“In the show, the things I can relate to would be—try to work together, respect the rights of all individuals, and try to appreciate the different experiences that we all have. I think that’s good!”
Reporting by Jenny Jing and Jennifer Tseng.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
