KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan—On March 2, head of Taitung County Pharmacist Association Chen Jinxiong traveled more than 100 kilometers (approximately 62 miles) from Taitung County to Kaohsiung with his wife to watch Shen Yun Performing Arts.
After missing the opportunity to see Shen Yun last year, Mr. Chen made arrangements well in advance to see the show this year.
“In China today, they are promoting communist culture,” said Mr. Chen. “They have failed to restore and promote the traditional culture of ancient days. However, Shen Yun is doing it. We are grateful and it’s gratifying to see this.”
New York-based Shen Yun travels the world with the mission of reviving the 5,000-year-old Chinese culture, one replete with virtues such as benevolence, propriety, and sincerity, as well as a respect for the heavens and the divine, according to the company’s website. The Chinese Communist Party nearly decimated the ancient culture; Shen Yun cannot currently travel to China to perform.
“In less than 10 minutes each, Shen Yun dances recount ancient myths, bygone heroes, or celestial paradises,” explains the website. “Whether set in the past or in contemporary China, every dance embodies traditional Chinese values. Ideals of loyalty, filial piety, and veneration for the divine are cherished and celebrated. Heroes are extolled for their compassion and tolerance as much as their courage or determination when facing adversity.”
Mr. Chen said he first saw Shen Yun two years ago, but last year had to attend a conference so couldn’t see the performance, which he regretted.
“So I made sure I could attend the show this year and urged friends to come—five tourist buses came from Taitung today though we are over a hundred kilometers from Kaohsiung,” said Mr. Chen.
Mr. Chen says that Shen Yun’s dances had an especially memorable impact on him. “The dance performers demonstrated professional discipline in their form, posture, and steps. They were outstandingly synchronized. The show is definitely worth seeing.”
Classical Chinese dance, one of the hardest forms to master, is accentuated by digital backdrops, handcrafted regalia, and an orchestra that combines classical Western instruments with classical Chinese instruments, such as the gong.
Mr. Chen said, “I don’t know much about dance and music, but that doesn’t affect my enthusiasm for Shen Yun. I really admire how Shen Yun incorporates Chinese traditions and divinely inspired culture into the storylines.”
Mr. Chen still has vivid memories of Shen Yun’s Manchurian and A-Mei ethnic dances from his first experience with the company. He tried picking out performers from then and remembered many of them. He said the dancing “is flawless.”
“It would be awesome if we could watch Shen Yun once a month,” said Mr. Chen.
Read original Chinese article.
Reporting by Dai Deman and Virginia Wu.
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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