SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun ‘Really Mesmerizing and Really Satisfying,’ Says VP

Feb 23, 2023

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Although cities are crowded and buildings are being built higher and higher, people’s hearts are growing further rather than closer. Shen Yun Performing Arts is showing audience how humanity was in more peaceful times.

“I think in our modern times, trying to think about how to live together in a way that’s more supportive and uplifting and questioning what that means for us individually and as a community, the performance really helped us all ask those questions,” said Ryan Erickson, an engineer and vice president of a packing company.

Shen Yun, the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company, is based in New York, and its stories depict the divine’s helping hand for those that remain good and pure, which struck a chord with Mr. Erickson.

“The world is changing and I think I see more and more mainstream discussion and exposure of the types of spiritual ideas that were conveyed. It wasn’t totally new to me. It was an interesting way to connect with that material,” said Mr. Erickson.

Shen Yun’s use of its digital backdrop is patented. The backdrop allows the stage to be extended endlessly and allows Shen Yun to change scenes instantaneously.

“I thought it was really neat how they were able to play with having characters be presented to the stage ... and then they would appear or withdraw. I thought that was a really cool way to stylize that, which I haven’t seen before,” commented Mr. Erickson.

Shen Yun has been sharing the beauty of a China before communism with the world since 2006, becoming a global phenomenon largely through word of mouth.

“We had heard good reviews but came with an open mind and thought it was really fantastic. The performers are obviously very talented and well trained and seem like they enjoy performing, and that really comes through. And it was also nice to learn more culturally with the information and education throughout the show as well. It was really helpful,” said Mr. Erickson.

Every year, Shen Yun draws from China’s 5,000 years of history to create an all new production.

“Everything from the skill of the dancers to the costumes and the energy and, of course, the orchestra behind it was really mesmerizing and really satisfying,” said Mr. Erickson.

Chris Dennie and Jennifer Salinas at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at DeVos Performance Hall on Feb. 22, 2023. (Charlie Lu/The Epoch Times) — Chris Dennie and Jennifer Salinas at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at DeVos Performance Hall on Feb. 22, 2023. Charlie Lu/The Epoch Times

Also in the audience was Chris Dennie, an attorney, and Jennifer Salinas, a parole officer.

They were struck by Shen Yun’s honesty on the crimes against humanity taking place in communist China.

“The things happening in China, as far as human rights, is always concerning. I know [Shen Yun is] not in China doing this and cannot, but I think it’s brave of them to bring this to the attention of the public like this. I’m sure it can’t be easy for many of the people involved with this production,” said Mr. Dennie.

With a production as large as Shen Yun, it involves many people’s hard work to be able to vividly tell stories from China’s 5,000 years.

“The storytelling is wonderful. I love the little bits of storytelling, and the integration with the screen and the effects. It really does enhance it. It really adds to the story because it makes it easier to follow. It’s so vibrant and vivid. That makes it really enjoyable,” said Mr. Dennie.

Reporting by Charlie Lu 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.