HONOLULU—Artist Michael Daly was moved by the cultural revival he saw at Shen Yun Performing Arts’ performance at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall in Honolulu May 4.
“Everyone should support this; it’s very important,” Mr. Daly said during intermission.
New York-based Shen Yun was established seven years ago with the mission of reviving 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, which is said to be divinely inspired.
Traditional values like benevolence, justice, wisdom, and propriety are present even in the art forms themselves, like classical Chinese dance, according to Shen Yun’s website, and stories told are set from ancient times to the present day.
“I think it’s very important to spread the message of peace and justice and humanitarian issues wherever we can, and especially through culture in the arts, like here today through dance and music,” Mr. Daly said.
Mr. Daly said he appreciated seeing An Unexpected Encounter, which touched on the religious persecution in China today. Unfortunately, as the emcees explained, Shen Yun cannot be seen in China, as the spirituality of the culture under the Chinese Communist Party’s rule has been all but destroyed.
“It’s done tastefully and respectfully, and they’re making a strong statement,” Mr. Daly said.
As an artist, Mr. Daly was drawn to the movement of the colors and costumes.
“I love the colors and the choreography and the scarfs and the movement; it’s beautiful,” Mr. Daly said. Props and extensions like water sleeves and handkerchiefs were present in many dances. “The skirts that are circular, when they swirl, and in uniform, they’re like screws and fans. It’s beautiful. And I really appreciate the scarfs too.”
“I thought it was wonderful. It’s only half way through, and I’m looking forward to the second half,” Mr. Daly said.
Reporting by NTD Television and Catherine Yang
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
Shen Yun Performing Arts is performing at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center through May 5.
The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
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