SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun ‘Told the Story of the Human Spirit,’ Says Singer

Mar 19, 2023
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Shen Yun ‘Told the Story of the Human Spirit,’ Says Singer
Neva Castaneda enjoyed Shen Yun's evening performance at Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts on March 18, 2023. (Sherry Dong/The Epoch Times)
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Singer Nevan Castaneda loves the arts. He has been singing and performing since he was 10 years old. So, when he saw Shen Yun’s ad, he jumped at the chance to attend the company’s evening show at Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts on March 18.
“[The performance] was very special, and I was very lucky to be able to watch it,” he exclaimed.
“It told the story of the human spirit. It definitely exceeded my expectations. I knew it was going to be great, but it was just incredible!”
The name “Shen Yun” translates directly into “the beauty of divine beings dancing.” Mr. Castaneda thought that was an apt description.
“It’s beautiful. [The artists] captured that name perfectly. Just seeing the grace in these performers—they’re committed to what they’re doing, and they’re enjoying it. They understand how important it is,” he said.
Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s top classical Chinese dance and music company. Presenting a brand-new set of programs each year, the company has been delighting audiences around the world since 2006.
A musician Mr. Castaneda was inspired by Shen Yun’s music and loved the live orchestra.

“We were very lucky to be right in the front row, so we got to see the orchestra the entire time. The absolute professionalism and discipline of these musicians were just incredible. It was truly a joy to see,” he said.

“[The music] was emotional and clear and crisp. It’s very pleasing to the ear. Whether you’re in the front of the theatre or the back—it just hits you.”

Mr. Castaneda added that “they talked about how music is healing, and at one point it was used as medicine to heal people. I think that’s still true today—with a show like this—it’s very true.”

“[Shen Yun] shared an important message for people all over the world.”

Ancient Chinese people were very spiritual and had a deep belief in the divine. For thousands of years, their values and day-to-day actions were strictly governed by the teachings of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.

However, after the communist party’s takeover, this was completely destroyed. Today, Shen Yun artists are dedicated to reviving this traditional culture.

Mr. Castaneda loved this aspect of Shen Yun and thought it was amazing how the performers told their stories with basically no speaking at all.

“It was an emotional journey. The visuals were absolutely gorgeous—telling the story and history of [China.] You see the history through the years and how it transitioned and evolved. It was very special,” he said.

Mr. Castaneda’s most significant takeaway from the evening was that you should “always, always go for what you believe in and share music no matter what you’re going through in your life.”

“Art and expression are universal. That’s very important.”

Reporting by Sherry Dong and Jennifer Tseng.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
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