“Ohio is proud to host the Shen Yun Performing Arts,” he wrote. “This show has influenced the cultural understanding of over one million audience members in more than one hundred cities on five continents. We are honored to have the opportunity to experience Chinese culture through the Shen Yun Performing Arts show in Cincinnati and we extend our best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable performance!”
Audience members who attended the performance praised the artists’ exceptional skill.
“We both loved it. It was more than I expected,” said Damon Gibbons, dean of students at Cincinnati Classical Academy, who attended Shen Yun with his daughter Adelaide Gibbons. “It was incredible to see that many people have such a high level of excellence. It’s really something you never see.”
“It’s beautiful, and it’s very athletic,” said Marcia Meyer, a veterinary clinic partner. “All the colors, just all the beautiful colors and sparkle and smiles.”
Jim Mott, a former real estate agent, said, “I was very, very impressed. I’ve been thinking about doing this for years, and I talked her into coming down and doing it today, and I’m glad I did.”
Rebecca Mott, an attorney, said, “It was very beautiful. Everything about it—the acrobatics, the dancing, the clothing—just really gorgeous. We’re really thankful.”
“They mentioned that these dances couldn’t be done in China today, and I find that to be an incredible shame, because all the people of China are missing out on something so beautiful that they have,” Ms. Meyer said. “So I’m glad we have it, we can watch it, but it’s a shame. So it’s beautiful that they’re continuing it and they do it here, but the next step is to be able to do it in China.”
Gerald Friason, a former business owner, said, “When you look at this and realize that this has been an indication of Chinese culture for 5,000 years, it is wonderful. The fact that there are eight different traveling groups is even more amazing. They’re all performing at the same time. So it will definitely be something that we will come back and look at again. I want to applaud the performers. I want to applaud the choreography. And the whole show is absolutely amazing.”
“I had tears in my eyes when it first began,” said Mr. Mott. “I thought it was just totally an art performance, so I was very surprised about that. And now, I understand why communist China is trying to destroy you folks. Stay strong. Keep doing what you’re doing.”
The spiritual messages conveyed in Shen Yun’s performances, along with their celebration of the divine, resonated with many of the audience members.
“It’s very touching. It’s beautiful, and the message is obvious, so it’s a challenging message embedded in a beautiful form,” said Mike Hamby, a pastor. “I think humans are spiritual, and to be in touch with the spiritual, the divine, enhances human experience. I think that’s part of the message, and that without it, we’re really missing an important part of who we are, it helps us to transcend, to live into the best parts of who we are.”
“I love the spiritual aspect of it, and it was obvious how the deep spirituality and the rich heritage has lent itself to perfection and inspiration in the actors, and to devotion to their trade,” Mr. Gibbons said. “When people get together like that, and they can dance, and they come to that level of perfection, you know that they’re dedicated and that they want to be part of something larger than themselves.
“They find that inspiration in God, in the Creator, and in the created world. And that’s inspiring. It’s a good reminder to those of us who are stuck in the city and stuck in busy lives that taking time for reflection, time for spirituality, and disciplining ourselves can lead to happiness, perfection, and great joy in life.”
