SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Museum CEO Finds Important Values in Shen Yun

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Museum CEO Finds Important Values in Shen Yun
Peter and Stephanie Jones enjoyed Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at River Center for the Performing Arts, on Jan. 17, 2023. NTD
COLUMBUS, Ga.—Soldiers are respectful and loyal to their country and brave. Being a soldier doesn’t seem to relate to dance, but after seeing Shen Yun Performing Arts, the a veteran saw the relationship.

Peter Jones was in the army for 32 years before retiring. Now, he is the CEO and director of the National Infantry Museum in Columbus.

“We in the army believe the values of loyalty and duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. And all of those were portrayed in the show. From the sacrifice of a mom, to loyalty of the soldiers, to loyalty of the leader to take care of those that they’re leading. It was all there,” said Mr. Jones, who attended Shen Yun at the River Center for the Performing Arts on Jan. 17 with his wife Stephanie.

Shen Yun is based in New York, and since it was founded in 2006, Shen Yun has been spreading the beauty of China’s 5,000 years of culture around the world.

“What moved me is both the culture that’s there and the fact that you’re bringing culture that is being suppressed, and the fact that there’s a spirit behind the performers, but at the same time, a storytelling that tells the truth,” said Mr. Jones.

Shen Yun uses dance and a live orchestra to share stories of what China was like before communism. Dances that raise awareness of what is happening in present-day China can be seen too.

“It’s very magical. [It gives an] understanding of what goes on in China and the persecution going on over there, that just hit home for me. It just makes you appreciate what these performers are doing and bringing to light what’s actually going on over there,” said Mrs. Jones.

Shen Yun artists come from around the world. They have a common goal of sharing their passion for the arts and traditional culture, which Mrs. Jones found evident through their performance.
I actually think you can see it in their faces. When they perform, you watch their faces, and I like watching their expressions. You just see pride and happiness, and they really want to tell their story. I got that from watching them individually up there. I was very impressed and very moved,” said Mrs. Jones.
Behind each artist is a belief that they are doing something that will benefit society, as shared in the program book. Shen Yun’s artists seek to bring something positive through their art, and Mrs. Jones said she felt that.

“No matter what you believe in, there’s a higher person for each individual. I think it will tug at everybody’s heart, no matter who you believe in or what you believe in,” expressed Ms. Jones.

“I like the spirituality, but also the fact that tolerance is involved no matter what religion. And that very neat to see throughout,” added Mr. Jones.

The dancers are trained in classical Chinese dance. This art form is demands in both athleticism, and an inner understanding of the culture behind it.

“We understand the dedication that comes with having to put this on. This is not an easy feat to jump in the air almost six or seven feet, 12 times. That takes athleticism, and commitment, and it’s very moving,” commented Mr. Jones.

They conveyed their thoughts that everyone should see Shen Yun.

“You will not be disappointed. And everybody will take something away, because it gives you a glimmer of China of old that we sometimes do not get to see,” said Mr. Jones.

“And please bring your children. It’s really important that they bring their children who are old enough to understand world events and things going on and how other children are being affected around the world. I think it’s important that they have a chance to see this as well,” added Mrs. Jones.

Reporting by NTD and Maria Han.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
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