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Retired Canadian diplomat Michel Careau enjoyed Shen Yun Performing Arts’ show at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre. (Madalina Hubert/The Epoch Times)
OTTAWA, Canada—Retired Canadian diplomat Michel Careau was so impressed by Shen Yun Performing Arts at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre (NAC) on Thursday night that he is hoping to catch the show again when it returns to Montreal next weekend.
“I found this is wonderful. I enjoyed every single moment,” said Mr. Careau, who attended the show’s opening night in the nation’s capital.
In addition to a distinguished 30-year career as a diplomat and civil servant, Mr. Careau has been widely acknowledged as a highly accomplished ultra-marathon runner, competing in numerous national and international events throughout his career following his retirement.
In 2007, he received the Order of Gatineau, which honours those who have brought an outstanding contribution to the city.
Mr. Careau praised Shen Yun’s colourful performances, beautiful costumes, and choreography. However, he felt there was something much deeper in Shen Yun than meets the eye.
“It’s a divine thing,” he said.
He couldn’t find the words to fully express what he felt, but said the theme of divinity stood out for him.
The Chinese people have long believed that their culture is divinely inspired, and it is this essence that Shen Yun aspires to bring out with its shows. As such, traditional values such as compassion, loyalty, kindness, and courage are at the heart of its performances.
The name Shen Yun also directly reflects this divinely inspired heritage. According to the company, the name “Shen” means “divine” or “divine being,” which refers to the hundreds of deities present in Chinese cosmology. “Yun” is used to describe the manner of the dancers as well as the meaning behind their movements.
The audience at the NAC gave a resounding standing ovation to Shen Yun.
“I enjoyed every single moment,” said Mr. Careau. Mr. Careau was thoroughly delighted with the show, he even apologized for not coming up with the words to describe his feelings.
“I’m sorry, the words are missing because I was so impressed.”
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. Shen Yun’s New York Company will be in Ottawa until Dec. 30 before going on to Montreal, Toronto, and other cities in eastern Canada. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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