PARIS, France—For its final performances of the year, Shen Yun Performing Arts is playing to sold-out crowds at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, drawing audiences from all over France.
Alain Froment is a physician and anthropobiologist. He has dedicated his career to researching the origins of humanity and the geographic diversity of populations. On May 9, the physician attended a performance of Shen Yun at the Palais des Congrès in Paris.
“This show is a marvel!” Dr. Froment said. “First and foremost, it’s a tribute to ancient Chinese culture, and more broadly, it’s a journey into a world of wonder!”
The anthropologist says he felt both “energy and serenity,” and praised “the dancers’ harmony.”
“Their physical performances are remarkable. One can only imagine the discipline required to reach such a level,” he said.
For Dr. Froment, Shen Yun is “also a political reminder, given the ‘persecutions’” of independent thinking and faith in China.
Shen Yun highlights the current reality of the persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in communist China. Since 1999, practitioners of this meditation discipline—based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance—have endured harassment, persecution, imprisonment, and torture to death in Chinese prisons. Since 2001, crimes involving forced organ harvesting have been perpetrated against these practitioners.
The Shen Yun orchestra, which combines a traditional Western symphony orchestra with Eastern musical instruments, was also a source of inspiration for Dr. Froment.
‘Harmony Brings Serenity’
Indeed, Shen Yun has made it its mission to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, which is deeply imbued with spirituality.“I was moved by the beauty, the inspiration, and the spiritual aspect,” Dr. Froment said.
Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism shaped the daily lives of the ancient Chinese, who believed in a culture inherited from the gods. For this reason, China was once known as the “Land of the Divine.”
While emphasizing that he is “secular,” Alain Froment states: “I have great respect for different cultures, and I am in awe of the history and mystique of Chinese civilization. I am discovering it with great interest.”
The physician also sensed “a great deal of kindness” in Shen Yun’s dance and song performances “because harmony brings serenity.”
‘A Lot of Professionalism’
Benoit Bassac traveled from his village of Marsilly-sur-Seine (Marne) to Paris to enjoy the finest in classical Chinese dance and music. Located east of Provins, this village stretches along the Seine just a stone’s throw from the Aube. Historically, it became known for the river transport of timber to Paris in the 18th century. Today, Mayor Bassac oversees a charming, flower-filled town where it is pleasant to stroll along the river.
Shen Yun is “remarkable,” he enthused. “Everything is so well orchestrated—it’s very ethereal. I imagine there’s a lot of hard work behind it and a great deal of professionalism! And China’s history is fascinating!”
“The dances are very ethereal; they soothe and uplift us,” he added. “Even though there are many jumps and more martial-style postures, the dance is truly beautiful and it transports the soul!”
Classical Chinese dance draws its movements and techniques from thousands of years of ethnic and folk dances, street theater, and imperial court dances. It is therefore considered one of the most comprehensive dance systems, combining basic movements and postures with acrobatic elements such as jumps, twists, and pirouettes.
For Mayor Bassac, “delving into history helps us move forward; we cannot forget our roots. To know where we’re going, we must know where we’ve come from. So [Shen Yun] can only bring good things to humanity.”
Shen Yun is “a lovely spiritual experience” that you shouldn’t miss. “It will soothe you and help you grow,” he said.
