VIENNA, Austria—Austria’s majestic Wiener Stadthalle hosted the Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company’s classical Chinese dance and music show in great splendor on May 2.
Mr. Alexander Ellmer, independent consultant and his wife, Ms. Nadine Bethke, owner of a media agency, had come all the way from Berlin to see the New York-based company show in Vienna.
“The Shen Yun show was captivating. I absolutely loved the ladies in those beautiful costumes, especially the silk dresses,” said Mrs. Bethke.
There wasn’t really one scene that was more amazing than the other, but she did remember more clearly the dance when the ladies wore the chopine shoes in the scene, ‘Manchurian Elegance.’
Neither of the couple had any knowledge of classical Chinese culture or dance. But they learned from the performance the Chinese Communist Party systematically desecrated ancient Chinese culture over six decades.
“I’m very sad hearing that ancient Chinese culture is forgotten in today’s China. Given that, one looks at the Shen Yun performance with different eyes, and will treasure this performance even more so,” said Ms. Bethke.
“I first thought everything to be lovely, very pleasing and nice. But, when one hears of the other side of the story [the persecution of Falun Gong in China], the show suddenly grows in its worth and one becomes truly emotionally associated with it. Then, I was deeply touched and amazed. This is what I will remember when going home.”
Her husband agreed, adding that he was also touched by the tenor. “I got goose bumps all over. I realized how much fervor went into the songs.”
The Shen Yun Orchestra, that played Eastern and Western instruments, backed the exquisitely dressed dancers.
“The orchestra was very impressive. Especially, when it comes to the virtually unknown Chinese instruments,” said Mr. Ellmer.
Hi-tech animated backdrops showed pictures of Chinese landscapes and pictures that complemented what was performed on stage.
“Brilliant accomplishment by incorporating the backdrop with the performance on stage. Especially during the last scene, when the heaven’s doors opened, The Opening of Heaven’s Gates was fantastic,” he said.
Mr. Ellmer was also impressed by the contrasting masculinity of the male and the graceful female dancers.
“It could be seen throughout the performance. The men exuded strength and discipline and the ladies were proud but demure and a little shy, yet full of grace.”
His wife was of the same mind and said “Beauty emanated from the performers.”
Her husband added Shen Yun was not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the senses. “At times there is humor, which was depicted by the scene with the drunken monk ‘Little Mischievous Monks’. There was light laughter and the story was told amusingly. That was what made it beautiful. That was what made it unique. It shows that a person can have a little fun despite the seriousness of the situation. Beautifully done.”
Mrs. Bethke said, “My compliments to the performers. I was impressed with everything I saw. The Chinese understand how to entertain an audience. Everyone had a little flower in the show that appealed in this special way to their senses,” she said.
“Now I can understand why my friend had seen this show for the tenth time.”
Reporting by Nina Hamrle, Rosemarie Fruhauf and Heide B. Malhotra
The Shen Yun shows will be at the Wiener Stadthalle from May 1-4. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
Mr. Alexander Ellmer, independent consultant and his wife, Ms. Nadine Bethke, owner of a media agency, had come all the way from Berlin to see the New York-based company show in Vienna.
“The Shen Yun show was captivating. I absolutely loved the ladies in those beautiful costumes, especially the silk dresses,” said Mrs. Bethke.
There wasn’t really one scene that was more amazing than the other, but she did remember more clearly the dance when the ladies wore the chopine shoes in the scene, ‘Manchurian Elegance.’
Neither of the couple had any knowledge of classical Chinese culture or dance. But they learned from the performance the Chinese Communist Party systematically desecrated ancient Chinese culture over six decades.
“I’m very sad hearing that ancient Chinese culture is forgotten in today’s China. Given that, one looks at the Shen Yun performance with different eyes, and will treasure this performance even more so,” said Ms. Bethke.
“I first thought everything to be lovely, very pleasing and nice. But, when one hears of the other side of the story [the persecution of Falun Gong in China], the show suddenly grows in its worth and one becomes truly emotionally associated with it. Then, I was deeply touched and amazed. This is what I will remember when going home.”
Her husband agreed, adding that he was also touched by the tenor. “I got goose bumps all over. I realized how much fervor went into the songs.”
The Shen Yun Orchestra, that played Eastern and Western instruments, backed the exquisitely dressed dancers.
“The orchestra was very impressive. Especially, when it comes to the virtually unknown Chinese instruments,” said Mr. Ellmer.
Hi-tech animated backdrops showed pictures of Chinese landscapes and pictures that complemented what was performed on stage.
“Brilliant accomplishment by incorporating the backdrop with the performance on stage. Especially during the last scene, when the heaven’s doors opened, The Opening of Heaven’s Gates was fantastic,” he said.
Mr. Ellmer was also impressed by the contrasting masculinity of the male and the graceful female dancers.
“It could be seen throughout the performance. The men exuded strength and discipline and the ladies were proud but demure and a little shy, yet full of grace.”
His wife was of the same mind and said “Beauty emanated from the performers.”
Her husband added Shen Yun was not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the senses. “At times there is humor, which was depicted by the scene with the drunken monk ‘Little Mischievous Monks’. There was light laughter and the story was told amusingly. That was what made it beautiful. That was what made it unique. It shows that a person can have a little fun despite the seriousness of the situation. Beautifully done.”
Mrs. Bethke said, “My compliments to the performers. I was impressed with everything I saw. The Chinese understand how to entertain an audience. Everyone had a little flower in the show that appealed in this special way to their senses,” she said.
“Now I can understand why my friend had seen this show for the tenth time.”
Reporting by Nina Hamrle, Rosemarie Fruhauf and Heide B. Malhotra
The Shen Yun shows will be at the Wiener Stadthalle from May 1-4. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
