VIENNA—Shen Yun Performing Arts took center stage at the Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna’s largest concert venue, on March 10, 2015. Among those in attendance was Ms. Shadi Modaressy, an interpreter, exiled from Iran and residing in Vienna.
“I was about to cry, especially during the first part, but also on and off during the show … I was touched by the show … It was just great. I am really glad I came,” Ms. Modaressy said.
Expressing her reaction in more detail, she said, “I think this is the real China. This is the true China. It is really great that they are bringing this show to the world. They are showing what is going on in that country these days,” and what has been almost lost.
According to the Shen Yun website, “Shen Yun cannot be seen in China today, where traditional culture has been nearly lost. Yet Shen Yun—a non-profit organization—has become an international phenomenon, bringing the wonders of ancient Chinese culture to millions across the globe.”
It’s not so much a message as the essence of a culture that dates back 5,000 years, when art, literature, music, and dance were all divinely inspired. Reviving this culture is the founding mission of Shen Yun Performing Arts, a New York-based classical Chinese music and dance company.
According to the Shen Yun website, “Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture. Its stunning beauty and tremendous energy leave audiences uplifted and inspired. ”
Ms. Modaressy said, “The beauty of the performances touch your heart and it gave me energy. I liked everything I saw and really enjoyed it. For me, I think this is enough, the energy and the enjoyment.”
Shen Yun’s use of classical dance, digital interactive backdrops and a full orchestra, radiates a “good energy … The beauty of the show makes the audience feel good and it gives you energy. The beautiful scenes make you feel good.”
Ms. Modaressy “got inspired from watching Shen Yun,” yet, she couldn’t express what she felt and said that she didn’t “know how to put her feelings into words and how to explain it.”
She knows for sure that she will introduce this show to her friends and acquaintances. “I will tell them if somebody wants to know the spirit of China, the whole China, in just two hours, to and see the Shen Yun performance.”
This show “is the pure spirit of China, and it is beauty.”
Reporting by Peter Sanftmann and Heide B. Malhotra
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reaction since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006
