New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts is winding down its extensive world tour that saw the renowned cultural show play in about 80 cities on four continents.
In Canada, Shen Yun will play its final show in Regina on April 19. During its Western Canada run, audiences in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton were captivated by New York-based Shen Yun’s portrayal of the grandeur and excellence of traditional Chinese culture through the medium of classical Chinese dance and music.
Mayor Kevin Edwards of the Town of Three Hills, Alberta, attended the show with his wife, Lea, on Easter Sunday at Calgary’s Jubilee Auditorium.
“It’s marvellous, marvellous. We’re enjoying it tremendously. I can’t believe the excitement of the dance, the colour, the movement, the sound. It’s just incredible,” he said.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before. This is just wonderful,” said Mrs. Edwards.
Mr. Edwards said much of the show’s content surprised him, and he discovered how little he knew about Chinese culture and dance.
“I fully expected the grace, the elegance of the movement, but I was surprised at how lively some of the dance and some of the music is. That surprised me. There was a real beat to it, and it really picked up your spirits.”
Shannon Smadella, Miss Canada 2009, was delighted with everything from the hauntingly beautiful erhu number to the “passion” in soprano Min Jiang’s powerful voice.
“I love it. It’s beautiful. The music, the choreography, and the dance just seem to come together to make the show so beautiful to watch,” she said.
“Tiananmen Square hero” Lu Decheng, one of the students during the Tiananmen Square demonstrations in 1989 who threw paint-filled eggs at the portrait of Chairman Mao in Tiananmen Square, commented on the importance of Shen Yun’s renaissance of the ancient culture.
“I’ve watched the Shen Yun show every year for the past three years. …. Every year it gives me a new sensation.
“Nowadays, traditional values are being destroyed by the Chinese Communist Party. So, it is even more important for us to construct and revive these beliefs and culture again. I think Shen Yun dedicated a lot to this cause. I think reconstructing the culture and belief of Chinese is very meaningful for all mankind,” he said.
Wherever it plays, the Shen Yun performers receive greetings from many elected officials and VIPs. Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach said in a welcoming letter that the performance company’s 20-country world tour is “truly a wonder to behold.
“I am proud that our province is part of this dynamic renewal of Chinese cultural traditions, and I wish all participants the very best during each performance,” he wrote.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Shen Yun Performing Arts 2009 World Tour. For more information visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org