SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun ‘Was Really Transformative,’ Says Assistant Professor

Dec 29, 2021
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Shen Yun ‘Was Really Transformative,’ Says Assistant Professor
Rene Choy and Leidys Pena at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at Broward Center for the Performing Arts—Au-Rene Theater, on Dec. 28, 2021. (Linda Li/The Epoch Times)
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.— The perpetual lesson found in Shen Yun Performing Arts is the importance of truth and compassion. For Leidys Pena, a senior manager in the media industry, and Rene Choy, an assistant professor, the message of goodness throughout the performance made a deep impression.
“I thought it was beautiful. I really enjoyed the music and seeing all of the performances, as well as the teachings about compassion and faith and hope throughout the different acts,” Pena said.
New York-based Shen Yun also features a live orchestra comprised of instruments found in a Western symphony while highlighting traditional Chinese instruments such as the pipa, erhu, and Chinese percussion.

“I was just wowed by the orchestra and how everything worked out so well,” Choy said. “I find myself closing my eyes once in a while and just listening to the melody, it will take you somewhere. I mean, it was really transformative.”

He elaborated saying that although he isn’t someone who usually connects with arts, he was able to understand what Shen Yun was portraying without the use of words.

They expressed their appreciation for the Masters of Ceremonies’ brief introduction on Chinese culture.

“I personally enjoyed how each act had an introduction to explain to someone who may not be familiar with the Chinese culture, a little bit about it,” Pena said.

Choy said he was impressed by the performance.

“I know the culture is very deep and ancient, but I was not aware of all the different dances and I’m wowed. I really like this. I just can’t explain it, because arts is not my thing. I’m more of a numbers person. But you know, I thought it was great,” he said.

Shen Yun draws inspiration from Chinese classics like “Journey to the West” and turns them into story-telling dances.

“I think as you connect with the different stories, and you learn, because each performance has their story behind it, and some you connect with more than others. So you’re definitely to get into each of them,” Pena said.

She also expressed that Shen Yun is their first outing since the pandemic began and they appreciated being able to enjoy such a beautiful show.

Reporting by Linda Li and Maria Han.
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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