“I think history is extremely important. And I think a lot of times we’ve lost history. So I think just by supporting [the people of] China and bringing back the history before communism, that there was a different way and people were able to thrive under their own freedom, is really an important message,” said Valerie Gentzler, a teacher.
“In this time that we live in, we see so little of the richness of China’s ancient culture. And we know that communism, the oppression [in] tyranny, is universal. And the Chinese people have been living under it for quite a while,” said David Gentzler, the owner of a trucking company.
Most people today think of the CCP when they hear about China, but Shen Yun is striving to let audiences understand that the Chinese people and the CCP are not one and the same.
“That’s all that we, of our generation, really have been able to see. So for us, this is really a blessing to see the light into the older culture and the classical dance,” said Mr. Gentzler.
“I think getting the message out about Falun Gong and the persecution that’s happening—for this message to be traveling all over the world is really important. And I think once the light touches the dark, then there’s hope. And so it’s bringing light to something that’s really terrible that’s happening, an injustice to the people,” said Ms. Gentzler.
Falun Gong began its spread in China in 1992 and its popularity grew quickly due to its extraordinary benefits to health. But when the number of people practicing Falun Gong surpassed the number of members in the CCP, it decided to persecute the peaceful practice.
Mr. Gentzler shared that he was struck by “the [dance depicting] Falun Gong [practitioners who are] brother and sister, and then her being sacrificed for her organs.”
Although the story is tragic, Mr. Gentzler found that “there was hope in [the dance]—in the trust in God and the truth of that.”
“I really liked the Mongolian horse [dance],” said Mr. Gentzler.
“I love it. It’s amazing. I don’t know much about [it], but I’m amazed at the emotion that they’re able to bring through the dancing,” shared Mr. Gentzler.
Shen Yun was founded in 2006, and every year it puts on an all-new production. With 5,000 years to draw from, every season is bound to bring new and exciting pieces of history.
Mr. Gentzler shared that he was impressed by “the whole production, the costumes, the choreography, the set, the music.”
But the dance was what impressed him the most.
“The athleticism of the dancers, too, is just tremendous,” he said.
