Shen Yun’s Performance Captivates Audience in Texas
Apr 21, 2022
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Michael McDaniel attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, Midland, Texas, on Apr. 19, 2022. (Sherry Dong/The Epoch Times)
MIDLAND, Texas—New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts, elicits plaudits from audiences who come out of the theatre with a whole new perspective on Chinese traditional culture.
Michael McDaniel, president of the Bible Institute, came to watch the classical Chinese dance and music company when it played at the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center.
“It’s way more than I thought it was going to be. And the amount of time it must’ve taken [to prepare], I think is a testament to the commitment of these folks to do that. I’m really impressed with it,” he said.
Shen Yun’s story-based dances carry messages which represent the wisdom of China’s ancient culture.
McDaniel applauded the dancers’ skill in communicating those messages with the audience.
“Some of those [messages] are pretty riveting. They’re … telling the story and there’s no words, it’s just the action and the music. So, I’m impressed that they’re able to communicate with just that,” he said.
Shen Yun’s mission, to present Chinese traditional culture as it was in the pre-communist era, came through very clearly, said McDaniel.
The dances portray the belief in living a life based on spiritual values such as truth and compassion, and how one’s actions on earth reflect on one’s future after death.
McDaniel said he could identify with the pieces that depicted the existence of a harmonious relationship between heavenly beings and people on earth.
“I also think that … there’s an afterlife. I think there’s a God in heaven and I think we’re his creation and we’re the crown of his creation.”
The performance was energizing, said McDaniel. He appreciated the emcees who introduced each piece and the thousands of hours that he believed the performers had put in to perfect their craft.
Shen Yun Performing Arts New Era Company's curtain call at Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, Texas, on April 20, 2022. (Hailian Ma/The Epoch Times)
Also in the audience enjoying Shen Yun was Nancy Hanson, a financial adviser. The performance exceeded her expectations.
“It was like the most unbelievable thing that I’ve experienced. It was beautiful. I didn’t know what the Chinese culture was all about and what you see in the news today, it’s not positive,” she said.
The performance came from the heart, she said. “I mean that [the performers] embrace their culture. I really love the history and I want to learn more.”
“And I don’t want to relate to the current culture. I would rather relate to the past culture. Because that’s where I feel more comfortable and where I feel that the word of God … is coming through because it’s all about love,” said Hanson.
Shen Yun’s orchestra is unique in that it blends traditional Chinese and classical Western instruments.
“The music is beautiful. I love the music … and I loved the fact that there was an actual orchestra there and playing the music,” said Hanson. “[Shen Yun is] bringing the experience of old music into the new. You just can’t compare that these days. I prefer old historical music. That’s just me,” said Hanson.
Reporting by Sherry Dong, Yawen Hung and Diane Cordemans.
