HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—Jeff Kennedy, the CEO and owner of Canadian Sunstruck Solutions, and his family have made it a tradition to attend Shen Yun Performing Arts every year the company returns.
On the evening of Feb. 6, the family watched Shen Yun for the third time at the Von Braun Center Concert Hall. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“I love the diversity of the cultures and seeing how the [performers] express what they’re so passionate about in dance and music,” Mr. Kennedy stated.
Its performance is comprised of a series of short pieces that take its audience on a ride through the dynasties and across the vast regions of China.
“It’s very touching to hear the music and it’s so exciting to hear the beats and tones. [Both my daughters] are in bands so they’re really enjoying that—it’s good to see,” he expressed.
“To see the excitement of the dancers—you can just tell how trained they are with the music. It’s really special.”
According to the company’s website, Shen Yun’s orchestra is the first in the world to permanently combine ancient Chinese and Western instruments.
“I can’t imagine the hours of training that goes in and the devotion that they have. I really appreciate the talent and devotion,” he said, adding that he felt a spiritual connection to the divine elements portrayed within the show.
“It’s interesting to see the spiritual beliefs that they have and the spiritual beliefs that we have. It’s very similar,” he stated. “I think faith is very important. It directs your life from within.”
“With the dancers, I just want to ask how they did it and how many years they’ve put in. I find all that they do so amazing,” she said.
For his part, if given a chance to speak with Shen Yun performers, Mr. Kennedy said he would like to tell them to go after their passion with all the spirit that they have for music and dance.
“I commend them on their passion and the hours of time that they’ve obviously put in,“ he said. ”I found that commendable.”