PHILADELPHIA— Company manager Carl Gordon and his wife, Marnie, an export coordinator, loved everything about Shen Yun Performing Arts when they attended the company’s matinee at the Miller Theater on May 8.
“A fantastic performance. … Everything—I love the effects, the dancing, the costumes, the music, the orchestra—it’s just fabulous,” Mr. Gordon exclaimed.
“It’s the second time I’ve seen this. I’m going to see it every year it comes out. Everybody should see this.”
For 5,000 years, China’s civilization flourished under the shared belief that the divine will bless those who uphold traditional moral values. Tragically, within just a few decades of the communist party’s violent takeover, these beliefs were erased and replaced with atheism.
Mr. Gordon has a deep appreciation for traditional Chinese culture and felt that Shen Yun radiated a very positive energy.
“I just enjoy everything. I enjoy seeing the Chinese culture and everything about it. It’s excellent. I recommend it to everybody,” he said. “The energy is extreme, but it’s a good energy. It’s a positive energy.”
He especially loved the storyline dances that tell tales from ancient times to the modern day.
“I like the idea that there are different segments with different stories [that] I could understand. … You can watch, and you can feel emotion from it.”
Reflecting on the story dance raising awareness about the Chinese Communist Party’s brutal persecution of the people of faith, Mr. Gordon said, “I’m all for it, to tell the truth.”
“Persecution should not exist. They should stop that in China. They should stop that everywhere.”
“The choreography is perfect. The singing, the dancing. I used to dance myself,” she said. “I watch a lot of [Shen Yun’s] footwork because I learn from that.”
She urges everyone to experience a performance for themselves. “They have to see this show. It’s very uplifting. The music. Everything about it is great.”
Wrapping up its 2025 touring season, Shen Yun’s eight equally-sized companies performed in over 200 cities across five continents. Met with wide acclaim since its establishment in 2006, the company can be expected to return each year with a brand-new set of choreography and musical compositions.
