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JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Dan Dupree, a corporate IT security specialist, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts with his wife at the Times-Union Center for Performing Arts on Jan. 29.
Based in New York, Shen Yun presents 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture through classical Chinese music and dance.
Mr. Dupree enjoyed Shen Yun and was very interested in learning more about the Shen Yun Orchestra, which he had never heard anything like before, and about classical Chinese dance, which he had never seen before.
Based on his experience with martial arts, Mr. Dupree felt he saw some elements of martial arts in the dances but also saw the gentleness. “It makes me more curious about Chinese traditional and classical dance,” he said.
The Shen Yun website is an excellent place to learn about Chinese dance, classical as well as ethnic and folk dance: “Classical Chinese dance has its own set of training methods in basic skills and has strict training in both physical expression and specific postures.
“Jumping, turning, and flipping techniques, along with the exquisiteness of the bearing and form, give classical Chinese dance special expressivity.” the website states.
Mr. Dupree was touched by the story-based dances and said that he appreciated the stories Shen Yun told of today’s China, particularly the persecution of Falun Dafa.
Falun Dafa is a mediation practice from China that teaches truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. Also known as Falun Gong, the practice was introduced to the public in 1992 and grew immensely popular because of its moral teachings and health benefits.
The Chinese Communist Party illegally banned the practice in 1999, initiated a campaign of repression, and spread propaganda worldwide to defame Falun Dafa. The regime’s persecution campaign continues in China to this day.
Mr. Dupree said that he really wishes the American public would be more helpful to Falun Dafa. “The Chinese government has stigmatized it,” he said.
A Christmas Present
Tammy and Josh Lamaster, certified public accountants in finance, also attended Shen Yun on Jan. 29. Experiencing Shen Yun was part of Mrs. Lamaster’s Christmas present from her husband.
The two enjoyed Mrs. Lamaster’s gift together and said that they would like to tell Shen Yun artists that they support their efforts, their athleticism, and their dedication.
Reporting by NTD Television, Mary Silver, and Kelly Ni.
Shen Yun Performing Arts, based in New York, tours the world on a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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