KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan—The excitement generated by Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company reached a fever pitch by the time of its final day’s performance in Kaohsiung on the afternoon of March 14, with people longing to see the performance that has captivated audiences worldwide. Li-Yan Zheng, city councilor of Kaohsiung, said, “I have seen the performance before; yet, this time, it is even grander. I am greatly inspired by the history.”
New York-based Shen Yun showcases classical Chinese dance and music, and seeks to revive China’s 5,000 years of traditional culture and ancient history.
“The spirit of team work was wonderful and the technique was top-notch,” Mrs. Zheng said. She had wanted to see Shen Yun again, and this year was able to join the audience at the Chih-The Hall of the Kaohsiung City Cultural Center.
Reflecting back on her previous experience, she commented: “The experience with [Shen Yun] the last time was so unique that it formed a lasting memory, which I still cherish to this day. The skill of the performers was simply second to none, and the beauty that came with being enlightened by the ancient history, and the spiritual awakening, was simply wonderful.”
Even though the spiritual feeling was hard to put into words, Mrs. Zheng said she could still sense the wonderful feeling within her heart. She elaborated: “Every single program of Shen Yun is unique in its own way. You could easily feel the amiable nature of the programs. Such as the program Joyful Little Monks. Though they lived secluded, they were still able to enjoy a happy life. This has given me a new perspective. ... Their actions were really mischievous and funny. They were simply innocent and pure.”
Mrs. Zheng, with a down to earth personality, enjoys genuine human expression, which she found amply displayed in Shen Yun’s dance programs. She said: “This was the first time I saw Dance of the Qiang People. It was novel and enjoyable. These female performers looked so innocent. They possessed the characters of pure beauty.”
The Qiang, also called the Erma, are one of China’s oldest ethnic groups and live in southwestern China. Qiang ethnic dance is characterized by its free-swinging movements and lively steps. Dancers sway and shake to a catchy beat as they celebrate a bountiful harvest, according to the program booklet.
