COSTA MESA, Calif.— Council Member Arlis Reynolds of Costa Mesa had no idea what to expect when she stepped into Shen Yun’s evening performance, on March 14, at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
During the intermission, she said the show made her feel “energized and inspired.”
“I feel like my mind’s been opened up to a whole different culture— [there’s] everything from emotional dances to comedic dances, to really learning about some of the challenges [in China] today,” she expressed.
“It’s been a great show. I’m excited to recommend others to come.”
Ms. Reynolds thought this mission was “special and important.”
“I’m glad to be here and learn from [Shen Yun.] I’ve really been thinking about some of my cultural background as well. I’m more familiar with Native American traditions, indigenous Mexican traditions, and how many of those have been stripped away,” she expressed.
“So, I’ve been connecting [with traditional Chinese culture] on that level even though it’s a world apart. I’m really recognizing that I’ve not been aware of Chinese culture, and I’m grateful to be able to learn more about it tonight.”
Ms. Reynold felt inspired by several of the dance pieces throughout the night.
“The yellow blossoms were just absolutely beautiful—just stunning aesthetically. I really enjoyed the [dance about] the restaurant. I thought that was very relatable and grounded, like everyday life,” she said.
Moreover, she was moved by the story-dance, bringing attention to the Chinese Communist Party’s ongoing persecution of the people of faith in present-day China.
“The scene of the family where the daughter was killed because of choosing her belief was very moving,” Ms. Reynolds stated. She believes that the message conveyed in that story was “the power of belief and conviction in a higher power.”
“Even in [the character’s] death, she inspired her family to follow that faith. It was very moving and relatable.”
For Ms. Reynolds, Shen Yun artists conveyed their message “in a very relatable way that does not make the audience feel like they’re coming into a politically charged atmosphere but still take away some of those important lessons, both in the appreciation for the beauty of a culture and in understanding a range of cultural expressions.”
“I think it’s a very valuable way to be sharing that message,” she said. “Balancing some of those comedic and relatable stories with a very, very serious situation—it’s a very smart way to share a message.”
Last but not least, Ms. Reynolds would like to thank the performers for what they’re doing and “for their conviction in committing to preserving this history.”
“I think it’s really, really special and important [to have] these practices, stories, and faith live through us. Just a few people can keep those things alive until we rise again,” she said.
“It’s already been much more than I expected. I’m planning to encourage other council members in Costa Mesa and staff to attend the show. I’ll be back again in the future for sure.”
