TOURS, France—On this Valentine’s Day, both Shen Yun screenings were sold out at the Palais des Congrès.
Mrs. Gitton particularly appreciated the “flexibility” and “magnificent acrobatics” of the Shen Yun dancers.
Drawing its postures and techniques from thousands of years of tradition—ethnic and folk dances, street theater, and imperial court dances—classical Chinese dance is highly expressive. It allows artists, through yun (inner bearing and expressiveness), to convey deep emotions without resorting to words.
To help the audience better understand the stories being told and the context of the various dance and song performances, Shen Yun’s two emcees provide humorous commentary before each performance.
“I think it’s very good,” Mrs. Gitton said. “Even though we only have a small booklet, the short oral presentation is wonderful. We know what to expect, and they explain the history of the dance and the scenes.”
Celebrating the glory of “China before communism,” Shen Yun brings traditional Chinese culture to the stages of the world’s greatest theater. But it is not allowed to perform in present-day China.
A Spirituality Deemed Universal
Marie-Paule Perrin also attended the Shen Yun performance on Feb. 14. A business leader in the insurance industry, she was impressed by the harmony created by the colors of the costumes and the backdrop scenery.
“They are amazing dancers. They are graceful, light, and they are all together,” she enthused. The business leader praised the desire to revive this immense culture that could have disappeared, while expressing surprise at learning that the company cannot perform in China today.
Shen Yun means “the beauty of divine beings dancing,” as it pays tribute to the ancient Chinese who all believed in a culture inherited from the divine. The connection to the divine was therefore essential to them and punctuated their daily lives. From the humblest peasant to the prestigious emperor, all praised and honored the deities, respecting the harmony that existed between Heaven, Earth, and Man.
“Whether in China or elsewhere, the divine is always present. No matter where you are in the world, this dimension exists and can be experienced everywhere,” she said.
“It’s magical,” concluded the business leader. “Shen Yun represents something that we see very, very rarely.”
