KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Shen Yun invites audiences to step into a magical time of ancient legends and heavenly realms, capturing 5,000 years of Chinese civilization for two hours through storytelling dance, music, and vocal soloists. It is often referred to as a once-in-a-life time experience.
It’s great, very beautiful, and spectacular,” said Gary Gatten, a network architect in Kansas City, who attended the show with Romona Bettencourt at Music Hall, on May 7.
The performance made him feel “like I lived in another time. Wish I lived back then!” he said.
Ms. Betterncourt, a human resource consultant, found the journey of 5,000 years to be moving “because of the music and dancing. It’s beautiful when you put it all together.”
“It’s great for a date night, or a girls night out, or to bring your family. My daughter would have loved it and she is 7. So I think its great for all ages,” she said.
‘I Hope Everyone Can See It’
Susan Ahart and Erin, her daughter, are delighted that Shen Yun performed in Kansas City on May 7, 2015 at Music Hall. (Stacy Chen/Epoch Times)
Ms. Betterncourt’s observation hit home for two other mothers and their daughters who attended the May 7 performance.
Shen Yun captured the heart and imagination of Susan Ahart, a librarian at Lakewood Middle School, and her daughter Erin Ahart.
“It was great. I have never seen anything like it before,” said Erin “I love the dance Handkerchief Blossoms. That was amazing.”
“Wonderful performance,” Ms. Ahart said. “I love the [animated digital] backdrops, and the flexibility especially in the men [dancers]. ... Just so unusual, I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Oh my goodness, so good!” was Erin’s response to the originally designed costumes of the performers.
The costumes were “definitely a highlight too,” her mother replied. “I kept picturing what it must look like backstage, and how they must have to get changed so quickly. They were just beautiful the head pieces, the colors—oh, everything!”
Both women found the The Power of Compassion, a mini-dance drama to have a good and universal message. “Everybody needs that message and need to hear it now, Ms. Ahart said.
“Erin’s grandfather, my father, brought us here,” Ms. Ahart explained. “He said it was a once-in-a lifetime event. He hopes that we can remember it forever. Everything about it, just the visual impact, spiritual impact, talent, hard work, music—everything.”
Both mother and daughter were so very glad Shen Yun performed in Kansas City so they could attend.
“I hope everyone can see it,” Erin said in conclusion.
‘It Is Exciting and Makes Your Heart Leap’
“It is wonderful. It is different than anything I have seen before,” said Jocelyn Hartzog, a graphic designer.
Her 10-year old daughter, Allie said, “It is exciting and makes your heart leap.”
“If I had not come to the performance I would not have known about [ancient Chinese culture].” I appreciate that they are bringing the culture to the United States, and their history.”
Reporting by Cat Rooney and Stacy Chen
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reaction since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006
