PHILADELPHIA—From Mario and Lois Lionetti’s perspective, Shen Yun Performing Arts gave an exciting performance at Philadelphia’s Merriam Theater. They saw the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company on Sunday, May 5.
“It was fun, it was exciting ... The energy level was high,” said Mr. Lionetti.
Mr. Lionetti, who is retired and used to be director of planning for Singer Corp, is also committed to service to his community. He won a service award from the Lenape Valley Foundation in 2011, where he has served both as vice-president and treasurer. The Lenape Valley Foundation assists Bucks County residents encountering mental health, substance use, and intellectual or developmental challenges in the pursuit of their personal aspirations.
Mrs. Lionetti added, “I enjoyed it very much. It was very colorful, the dances were excellent.”
Classical Chinese dance is known for its incredible flips and spins, and its gentle elegance, it is one of the most rigorous and expressive art forms in the world, says the Shen Yun website.
Shen Yun aims to bring back 5,000 years of Chinese culture, which is believed to be divinely inspired, but almost destroyed through systematic campaigns such as the Cultural Revolution. Due to this, Shen Yun cannot be performed in China today.
“People over there [in China] are still suffering under the [communist regime],” Mr. Lionetti said.
Mrs. Lionetti added, “It was inspiring to be able to acknowledge the people who presented this in such a brave way. I hope it brought it to the attention of a lot of people.”
Reporting by Kerry Huang and Channaly Philipp
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
Shen Yun Performing Arts is performing at Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady, N.Y., on May 9 and The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater in Syracuse, N.Y., on May 12.
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.
