BERLIN—Human rights lawyer, Dr. Zander, and his wife chose an unsual and elegant way to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary: They attended the Shen Yun Performing Arts 2009 World Tour Berlin debut performance on March 23 at the world-renowned music venue, Friedrichstadtpalast.
Their daughter said that their 25th weddling anniversary was the “perfect opportunity” to see the show, featuring China’s 5,000-year-old heritage portrayed by classical Chinese dance and music.
She said she was thrilled to see the show, a program of Chinese legends of bravery, modern tales of courage, and ethnic and folk traditions, performed by gorgeously costumed dancers moving in synchronized patterns, against stunning backdrops, and accompanied by Western and Chinese musical composition.
“The entire show is outstanding and should be recommended to everyone. What an amazing view into a culture and the dance, which we never have had the opportunity to see. I was most impressed by the drummers [Dragon Springs Drummers]—and the music is brilliant,” she said.
Dr. Zander said, “The human rights violations were presented exceptionally well.”
Dr. Zander is an avid newspaper reader, who has kept abreast of human rights issues around the globe, including the persecution of Falun Gong in China today.
‘I’m glad you have maintained your cultural heritage’
Also in the audience was a high-ranking official from the Kingdom of Bahrain, who regularly visits Germany.
“Oh, it was wonderful. This is the first time I’ve seen an authentic and original Chinese l[cultural show]. It was marvelous. I would love to see it one more time,” he said.
He regretted that he went alone, saying that perhaps there will be another opportunity for his family to see the show.
“Everything was beautiful. Most of all, I was impressed with the dance Knowing the True Picture Offers Ultimate Hope, the last scene during this performance—the finale.
“Yes, it was very impressive. The show is very impressive. It enriched my knowledge of China. I always wanted to visit China, since my childhood. But, now it is too late, as China has changed so drastically.
“I’m glad that you have maintained your cultural heritage, I would prefer to visit the original China, without communism. China has totally changed with respect to the industrial forms, cars, pollution, and human rights.”
Knowing that Shen Yun would not be allowed to perform in China today, he said: “I think this will change. Now it is banned, but in China you will still recognize that this a a part of [Chinese] history, a part of [Chinese] cultural heritage. The people will change, but this will survive.”
‘Chinese classical dance is connected to faith’
When Ms. Michaelis stopped dancing 38 years ago, the Friedrichstadpalast was still on the East side, separated from the rest of Germany by the Berlin Wall. Today, the former dancer, unrestricted by politics, was sitting in the audience enjoying the show.
“I liked it very much. It is very interesting to learn about this culture that is so different from ours. I loved the entire show. I loved the costumes ... the artistic movements of the men. It was not only dance, but also acrobatics that were part of the dances. Absolutely wonderful.”
Ms. Michaelis was enchanted especially with the classical Chinese dance and its masterful choreography.
“The dance has to do with faith. In China, people believe in life after death, and this was expressed quite clearly,” she said.
‘Relaxing, comfortable, and beautiful’
“I found it absolutely wonderful. It was everything, including the dance, the songs. ... It was just beautiful, relaxing, comfortable, and beautiful.”
Accompanying him was his wife who agreed, saying, “I have to say exactly the same thing. I found the show to be wonderful, very colorful, and quite moving. I liked it very much.”
The New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts played to a packed house and appreciative applause.
The crowd honored the artists with standing ovations and a curtain call.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Shen Yun Performing Arts 2009 World Tour. For more information please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
