AUSTIN, Texas—New Year’s resolutions are annual opportunities for people to reflect inwardly and resolve to strengthen their character. This Saturday afternoon, an extravaganza of classical Chinese dance inspired showgoers in Austin, Texas, to make good on their self-improvement goals for the year ahead.
“Everyone should have compassion, tolerance, and truthfulness,” Ms. Hiraldo said, speaking after the performance at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. “Sometimes, we talk about how we want to change this country, to make it better, but it just starts with the basics, with respect, communication, respecting other people’s beliefs.”
The performance is a vibrant reminder of ancient myths from the Middle Kingdom, imbuing a new selection of stories with zestful colors and morals that feel very relatable today—so relatable, in fact, that audience members often point out how similar they feel to Western values.
The officially atheist regime under which these ancient traditions were nearly destroyed, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), does not allow Shen Yun to perform today in China. The company says many of its performers fled persecution in the mainland. That often raises concern from audiences around the world.
Dustin Diamond, an oil field entrepreneur, saw similarities between the East and West in Shen Yun’s performance. Both cultures share belief in “a power that is there if you want it, and there is an afterlife,” he said. “And if you do good and live a good life, you'll end up being saved.”
“It’s impressive. It makes you wanna change your ways and do better in life,” Mr. Diamond said after seeing the performance. “It really brought something out in you. It just changes the way you feel about life.”
