SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Former First Lady of Virginia Finds Shen Yun ‘Beautiful’

Jan 23, 2014
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Former First Lady of Virginia Finds Shen Yun ‘Beautiful’
Susan Allen at Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center Opera House on Jan. 22. (Epoch Times)

WASHINGTON—Former first lady of Virginia Susan Allen said Shen Yun Performing Arts was a terrific experience, with the combination of a wonderful display of culture, dancing, music, incredible stories, and the element of religious freedom.

“The whole thing combined is really a terrific experience,” said Mrs. Allen, who attended Shen Yun with her husband, former Virginia Gov. George Allen.

According to the New York-based Shen Yun’s website, “Chinese dance is at the heart of what Shen Yun does.” Other highlights include stunning soloists, gorgeous costumes, a unique animated digital backdrop, and an East-West orchestra.

Mrs. Allen said she loved the Chinese dance, and wanted to know more about the training that allows the female dancers to glide across the stage.

According to Shen Yun, the classical Chinese dance art form is built upon a deep foundation of traditional aesthetics, rich with expressive power.

She added, “the acrobatic moves were all beautiful, wonderful, and exciting.”

Regarding Shen Yun’s bel canto soloists, Mrs. Allen remarked, “It’s beautiful. It’s just beautiful.” She added that the translations from Chinese to English of the songs which could be seen on the backdrop were also beautiful.

“I felt the whole thing was very moving,” she said.

Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, which has been nearly lost under 60 years of communist rule.

Mrs. Allen commented on the variety of the culture Shen Yun presented, and how she and her husband loved learning both the history, and what is happening in China today.

Reporting by Sherry Dong and Ananda West

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit Shen Yun Performing Arts.

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.