DETROIT—Susie Hovsepian, co-founder and CEO of the Paul Foundation—a nonprofit organization committed to creating a positive impact in the community—attended Shen Yun’s matinee on Feb. 25, at the Detroit Opera House.
She was accompanied by Dan Watson, the former Vice President of the Laborer’s International Union of North America.
“I thought the show was phenomenal. It was so exquisite,” Ms. Hovespian said. “The dancers were beautiful, the music was wonderful, the costumes were phenomenal.”
She also really enjoyed Shen Yun’s innovative backdrop that “integrated the screen and all the animation to what was happening on the stage.”
According to its website, Shen Yun’s patented 3D digital technology works together with the performers to “extend the stage to infinite realms” and brings to its audience “storytelling without limits.”
Mr. Watson, too, enjoyed the experience.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever been to anything like this,” he said. “It was unbelievable. Fantastic. The colors, the dancing, the music—unbelievable. I’ll definitely be coming back. That was really great.”
“I think that it’s important to share your culture. It’s also important to see the reality of what’s happening in a country and how people are experiencing their lives,” Ms. Hovsepian said, referring to the company’s mission.
“Is it a quality life? What are the challenges, and what are the developmental opportunities that they have? It’s important for all of us to stand and have our voices heard, to have that individuality, and to respect one another. That’s why democracy is so important—that everyone has an equal opportunity to share their voice.”
“The words on the screen helped us to gain insight into the story that they were trying to share. I loved it,” she expressed. The message was “very bold” and “really outstanding.”
“One of the things we value here, especially in the United States, is diversity. In bringing our differences to common ground, we don’t necessarily have to agree with one another, but we can certainly appreciate, respect, honor those cultural differences,” Ms. Hovsepian said.
“We learn from one another. It makes us richer and greater in who we are. That’s very important.”
“You got to unite together and just keep on going,” he said.
Last but not least, Ms. Hovsepian said it’s obvious to see all the hard work and dedication that the dancers have put in, and she “appreciates all that they have done to prepare and to bring their very best here for all of us to see.”
“It’s an honor to see their performance. I thought they were outstanding.”
