TAINAN, Taiwan—A government official said, “One look is worth a thousand words,” when she experienced Shen Yun. “Only after I saw it in person could I really perceive its great professionalism,” said Tainan City Councilor Lin Meiyan, after she attended Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company’s 2013 premiere in Tainan City on March 14.
She sat in the front row and saw the subtle expressions of the performers. Councilor Lin said, “All the artists dedicated themselves to the performance wholeheartedly, and the joyfulness, sadness and delightfulness (of each character) were truly displayed on their faces. I had difficulty identifying the lead actors, because everyone seemed to be the lead actor.”
Councilor Lin said the artists “are indeed very dedicated and professional.”
She felt the dancers created a feeling “As if really in the scenes displayed on the backdrops, which made us reluctant to leave.”
Shen Yun portrays heavenly scenes, sacred halls and ancient temples, Mongolian grasslands, and much more.
Though Councilor Lin had planned to leave the performance at the Tainan Municipal Cultural Center for an appointment, she said that Shen Yun’s magnificent performance made her decide to stay. “My mind is simply full of admiration and praise. It is really great,” she said.
Speaking of how Shen Yun illustrates traditional Chinese culture, Councilor Lin said, she was surprised that “even traditional literature like Journey to the West could be performed in this kind of artistic way to keep our younger generation aware of the traditional values. It is really very educational.” The company always tells stories from classic Chinese literature and poetry. Sand Monk is Blessed describes one of the adventures from Journey to the West.
The dances depicting majestic heavenly scenes and divine beings coming to save people resonated with her. Councilor Lin said it recalled a good memory from her early life. She said, with a calm expression, “Since my childhood, I have liked to see pictures of fairies and fairylands, because they are a peaceful and tranquil realm. It did remind me of my belief in Buddha and gods in my childhood.”
In her opinion, Shen Yun “will make society more peaceful.”
Speaking of Shen Yun’s mission of reviving Chinese civilization and uplifting the human spirit, Councilor Lin said, “On the surface, China has made rapid progress, but it still lacks of spiritual elements. In fact, spiritual beliefs and building a spiritual civilization are also very important. Human beings should not always pursue material things, as the pursuit of spiritual elements is very important as well. Through Shen Yun performances, we can perceive something spiritual, and have the feeling of calmness.”
‘Top Performance in the World’
A prominent businessman was full of praise for Shen Yun on March 14, opening night in Tainan . “Shen Yun combines art and high technology to bring out the essence of the 5,000 years of Chinese culture. On the stage I saw heaven on earth, the profound meaning of the Chinese divine culture. All I can say is that Shen Yun is the unique, top, best performance in the world,” said Mr. Kuo Lin-Chi.
Mr. Kuo is the president of the Tainan City Business Promotion Development Association and the chairman of the board of Lungmei Curtain. He felt very happy after seeing the Shen Yun Touring Company at Tainan Municipal Cultural Center.
“Superb! Incredible!” Mr. Kuo said. According to the businessman, he’s seen many large-scale performances around the world, and “only Shen Yun belongs to the highest class. The way the dancers artists demonstrate strength and beauty together is also the top class.”
This was the third time Mr. Kuo attended a Shen Yun performance. He said he admired the skill and artistry of the dancers. “The artists showed strength and beauty. The jumps, turns, kicks, and flips, demonstrate their superb technique. They did a perfect job.”
The narrative dance from Journey to the West especially pleased him. “In Sand Monk is Blessed,” everything looked so real. The exquisite dancing matched with the tempos of the music and the background projection. I could not afford to blink. For a moment I thought I was in the story. It was an amazing experience!” Mr. Kuo said, with a laugh.
Mr. Kuo said that only Shen Yun could provide such entertainment that once was the privilege of an emperor. “I will most definitely recommend it to my friends and I am coming back next time for sure,” he said.
Reporting by Lai Yourong, Bill Xu, Fang-Ju Li and Hsin-Yi Lin.
Read the original Chinese article [1] [2]
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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