.png)
Doctor of integrated energy medicine and an acupuncturist, Dr. Russell. (Kevin Peng/The Epoch Times)
ATLANTA—The inspiring portrayal of China's millennia-old traditions debuted at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, Atlanta, on Friday, Jan. 15.
Presented by world-acclaimed Shen Yun Performing Arts, the show delighted the audience including a was a doctor of integrated energy medicine and an acupuncturist, Dr. Russell.
She was touched by the entire performance.
"Spectacular, it's beautiful, it's very moving. The music is great. The whole fluid movement puts you in touch [with] the music in your own heart, as well as [with] what they are conveying, and you get to know the culture," Dr. Russell said.
Her heart opened to the music by the Shen Yun Orchestra, which presented a fusion of modern Western and ancient Chinese instruments.
"Yes … and like I said, you get to know the culture … the beauty and reverence for life, and being in touch with the spirit—to be very aware of that."
An integral part of New York-based Shen Yun are story-based dances taken from ancient heroic legends, modern stories of courage, and folktales. She enjoyed them all.
“The themes around the dance and the depth of their understanding with the dance-what each one represents … the stories, and movement—I think the one that is important for us to remember is the lack of freedom of expression of belief. I think that was a very powerful piece. The spiritual path, the spirit path … ."
The vignette, Nothing Can Block the Divine Path, is a story of persecution in modern day China against the spiritual practice, Falun Gong.
Dr. Russell was deeply moved. “Yes, to remember that we have freedoms and that there are still people who don't," she emphasized.
'Everyone is really connected'
Dr. Murray and his wife who is a nurse, and their three sons and daughter. (Kevin Peng/The Epoch Times)
Also in the audience was physician, Mr. Murray and his wife who is a nurse, and their three sons and daughter.
Dr. Murray said "it was an excellent idea" that his wife bought tickets, glad for the exposure to Chinese culture.
Mrs. Murray and the boys have black belts in martial arts, while the daughter has a brown one. They each related to a number of different dances presented on stage. Furthermore, the children are learning to speak Mandarin.
Dr. Murray said; "Everyone really connected with the culture and the movements of the dance. We really enjoyed the show."
One of the children responded with a one-liner in Mandarin proving his interest in the newfound skill.
Dr. Murray admired the choreography. Gorgeously costumed dancers moved in synchronized patterns, award-winning vocalists with piano accompaniment sung lyrics designed to awaken the soul.
Animated 3-D backdops framed a performance at hand, matched by the orchestra or piano accompaniment.
The family are already looking forward to seeing the New York-based Shen Yun's next visit to Atlanta. Until then, each of Shen Yun's amazing stories performed on stage have been etched in their minds.
With reporting by Kevin Peng.
For more information, please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
