NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—Jessica Wilder, a fine arts painter, was inspired by the display of Shen Yun performers’ “passion and effort” after watching Shen Yun perform at the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts on March 22.
“Just so much emotion appears when you watch people just put all their passion and effort into something like this,” Mrs. Wilder said.
“And the fact that they train so hard for this, too.”
Mrs. Wilder said she was impressed by how various aspects of the dancers’ skillset were showcased. Shen Yun showcases stories from ancient times to the modern day, depicting tales of courage and sacrifice, integrity and loyalty, and compassion and virtue.
“I feel like that’s super amazing and important that they incorporated that. That way people can be more aware of what’s actually happening in the world. And the fact that you guys can bring this performance to touch people’s hearts. You guys really touched mine today too,” she said.Mrs. Wilder was referring to the modern pieces, particularly in reference to the persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in communist China.
Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a spiritual discipline based on the principles of truth, compassion, and tolerance.
Jessica’s mother, Maria Mariotti, an animation designer who also watched the performance on March 22, resonated with these principles.
“I think everybody could incorporate these words into their everyday life. And if we could just be open-minded and learn from this, I think everybody could be inspired every day from everything,” Mrs. Mariotti said.