PHOENIX, Ariz.---Chris Tillett, director of cardiopulmonary services, celebrated his mother’s 85th birthday by inviting her to see Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Orpheum Theater on March 31. Both Mr. Tillett and his mother thoroughly enjoyed the refined performance of classical Chinese dance and music.
“It was beautiful, it was absolutely stunning, and very spiritual. I really enjoyed all the performing arts, the singing as well as the dancing. It was really spectacular,” gushed Mr. Tillett.
But he was not only impressed by Shen Yun’s artistry. Mr. Tillett was deeply touched by spirituality of traditional Chinese culture portrayed in Shen Yun.
China was once known as the “Divine Land,” with the belief that its rich culture was a gift from the heavens. The culture was influenced by Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, and was based on the harmony between heaven, earth, and humankind. Yet this traditional culture has been nearly destroyed under the Chinese communist regime.
In 2006, a group of distinguished classical Chinese artists from around the world founded the independent, non-profit Shen Yun Performing Arts in New York with a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture through music and storytelling dance.
Throughout the performance, audiences are invited to take a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese civilization that includes myths, legends, and modern stories of courage where “mortals and divine beings merge on stage as one,” according to Shen Yun’s website.
“I really enjoy the way it all came together. It seemed to tell a big story,” Mr. Tillett said, “from the earth to the heavens, and the heavens to the earth, and back again.”
“It really brought a universal sense of God and heavens and our connection with earth, something I strongly believe in”, he continued. “It really connects with God, heaven and earth, and [it] was really universal faith, so it really transcended a lot of different faiths.”
Before departing, Mr. Tillett thanked Shen Yun for coming to Phoenix, and said, “I plan to come back next year.”
“This kind of culture really opens a lot of eyes and doors, and hearts,” said Mr. Tillett.
Reporting by NTD Television and Thanh Le
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.
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.
