SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Hawaii’s Data Analyst Returns for Second Shen Yun Performance

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Hawaii’s Data Analyst Returns for Second Shen Yun Performance
Ed Garrison attended a Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at the Blaisdell Concert Hall in Honolulu, Hawaii, on May 10, 2025. Yeawen Hung/The Epoch Times
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HONOLULU—A data analyst returned to see Shen Yun Performing Arts on May 10, delighted by the new programs while continuing to be amazed by the dance and music.

“This is the second time I’ve seen the Shen Yun show. And I never get tired of it. It’s so graceful and beautiful. And I love the choreography. It’s wonderful. And the storytelling is good,” Ed Garrison said, at the Blaisdell Concert Hall in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Shen Yun debuted in 2006 with the mission to revive traditional Chinese culture that dominated mainland China before the Chinese Communist Party seized the land. According to the company’s website, ancient China was once known as the “Divine Land,” while music, calligraphy, medicine, and attire were believed to have originated from the heavens.

Believing that traditional Chinese values in the ancient past were a threat to its existence, the Chinese regime has been “systematically uprooting traditional beliefs,” according to the company. Now, Shen Yun tours the world under the tagline “China before communism.”

Garrison was impressed by Shen Yun’s unique orchestra, which combines classical Western and Chinese instruments.

“Very professional, pleasant. Crescendos at the right time, decrescendos at the right moment. I mean, everything, it follows the storyline beautifully,” he said.

He also applauded the soprano’s performance, saying that she had an “incredibly powerful voice.”

“I just know that she was passionate about it,” he added.

Shen Yun explains on its website that its singers are the only ones who have mastered the true form of a singing technique called bel canto. The true bel canto technique, found in ancient Chinese theaters and early European opera, allows singers to create the “most beautiful and pure tone of voice,” the company’s website says.

One particular dance story, the Story of the Village Boy and the Fairy, left him with a deep impression.

“It’s an interesting story,” Garrison said, leaving him with the impression that “anything is possible with love.”

Shen Yun calls its story dances “little excerpts from Chinese history” that are meant to celebrate virtues that were “at the heart of Chinese civilization” for 5,000 years.

Garrison said he looked forward to seeing Shen Yun performers’ return.

“I hope to see you again because each time I’m surprised with something new. Thank you for the performance.”

Reporting by Yeawen Hung and Frank Fang.
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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