FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.—David and Vicki Legge, owners of a media company that publishes popular newspapers and magazines in the Cayman Islands, were both moved by the beauty and positive messages they saw in the Shen Yun performance at the Broward Center on the afternoon of Dec. 27.
Ms. Legge said she experienced a strong message of compassion and added, “That’s what we need more of in today’s world—to make it a better world.”
She said she could see compassion in the dances as a whole, as well as in smaller details, such as the facial expressions of the dancers.
It is common for theatergoers to pick up on such nuances in the performance, as “bearing” is an intrinsic component of classical Chinese dance. “Bearing emphasizes internal spirit, breath, intent, personal aura, and deep emotional expression,” Shen Yun’s website states.
He said that what he was seeing—the theme of many of the pieces— is “based on universal principles that really aren’t constricted by boundaries.” “I think that’s one of the appeals of the performance.”
Under the influence of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, Chinese culture has generated a profound system of values. These religions account for the universal principles Mr. Legge alluded to.
“The concepts of ’man and nature must be in balance,‘ ’respect the heavens to know one’s destiny,’ and the five cardinal virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faithfulness are all products of these three religions’ teachings,” the Shen Yun website states.
Ms. Legge enjoyed how the dancers flowed into and out of the digital backdrop, which uses state-of-the-art graphic technology. Projected scenes extend the stage and transport audience members into other times and places.
She loved the Shen Yun orchestra’s music as well and was happy to learn CDs of the music could be purchased online.
Ms. Legge said she was sad to learn that traditional Chinese culture was disappearing and was glad that Shen Yun is bringing it back.
Reporting by Edie Bassen and Adam Miller
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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.
