CLEVELAND—Craig Meissner and Denise Dobay learned more about 5,000 years of ancient Chinese culture and felt inspired after an evening performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts World Company at State Theatre.
Shen Yun’s mission is to revitalize ancient Chinese culture, a culture almost completely lost due to communist rule. Being New York-based, Shen Yun has the freedom to now present this culture and its virtues in its grandest glory, according to the company’s website.
“It’s absolutely beautiful,” said Ms. Dobay, who works in financial services.
“It shows us a lot that we didn’t realize,” said Mr. Meissner, owner of a landscape designer business.
Shen Yun felt them feeling creatively inspired. Mr. Meissner said, “I am designer of flowers so my vote is for the Lotus Fairies [dance]—beautifully done.”
“I love the connection between the earth and human and nature. It’s all very interesting,” he added. “It’s beautiful, and beautifully choreographed—the [orchestra] and the music.”
Shen Yun travels with its own orchestra playing original music combining the beauty and distinctiveness of Chinese sounds with the power and precision of a Western orchestra.
The mini-dramas each have a unique high technology backdrop that interacts with the performers.
Ms. Dobay said, “The music, the connection even with the technology and the background was very interesting.”
The 5,000 year journey covers beloved myths, legends and historical events from the past to present.
“It’s very educational something we probably would not have seen had we not come here,” said Mr. Meissner with Ms. Dobay agreeing.
Both expressed that they learned more about traditional Chinese culture from Shen Yun. Mr. Mesissner noted, “I was interested that they can’t do this in China. … So, I think we’re enlightened,” said Mr. Meissner.
Not only have ancient traditions been destroyed in China, but Shen Yun cannot perform there.
Ms. Dobay found the spiritual aspects of the performance interesting. “I appreciate it because I actually take tai chi, and I’ve read a lot about Taoism. So, it was kind of just interesting to see those things come to life.”
“The concept of reincarnation was reinforced and I think that is a new concept for a lot of people,” Mr. Meissner said.
The Shen Yun performance left Mr. Meissner feeling happy. Ms. Dobay felt “uplifted and glad that even though other people cannot see it at home, other people can see it.”
Ms. Dobay added, “I do dances with fans, and that was the one too that I said I want to go home and make something right now.”
Reporting by Theresa You and Cat Rooney
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.
