ATLANTA—A tall couple laughed as the lady asked her husband to pose for a picture on the dramatic edge of the mezzanine balcony at Cobb Energy Centre. The balcony overlooks a three story glass lobby with marble floors and giant, golden Murano glass chandeliers. Rodney and Blanche Barnes had slipped away for a romantic date night to see Shen Yun for the first time.
They have ten children. “Ten kids and five grand kids,” said Mr. Barnes.
“Five girls, five boys, and five grandbabies,” said Mrs. Barnes.
The two were genial and warm, laughing easily. Mrs. Barnes said of the performance “We’re just taken aback. We’re in awe.”
“I think anyone anyone who has not ever been here, they just have to come see it. Because words just don’t describe it. It’s just something you have to see and you feel it. For me it’s more of a feeling thing.”
Mr. Barnes, who owns his own business, said he “enjoyed experiencing another culture, something that you’re not usually used to.”
“And this is our chance to steal away from the children,” said matriarch Mrs. Barnes. “This is like our little date.”
She saw a video trailer for the show at a mall and instantly knew she had to see it, buying tickets on the spot.
“When I saw it I was sold. I was like yes, ok!”
Like many others, she responded to the elegant, vivid and fresh colors in the show. “I love it. I think that the colors are just so beautiful, it’s just so ‘waah!’ It’s just gorgeous. Words don’t really describe how good it is. The dancing is awesome, awesome.
Now that they had succeeded in sneaking away for a date, they wished their children could see the show. “Oh yes, definitely. I hope they would come back and do this again.” Mrs. Barnes asked when Shen Yun would return to Atlanta. Upon hearing that this is its fourth year in Atlanta, Mr. Barnes said “Where have we been?
He said the performance was “very colorful. You have to come and see it. You will definitely be moved by something that you’ve never seen before.” His company and his residence is in the city of Norcross, and he was pleased to learn that his mayor, Bucky Johnson, supported the show with a proclamation and by attending opening night. “That’s really great.”
Mrs. Barnes finished with a big smile, “We’re just kind of like, it’s so beautiful. That’s all we can say.”
For more information, please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
