TAIPEI, Taiwan—From a friends’ cordial invitation, Dr. Peng Ming-Min, former senior advisor to the president and well-known political leader in Taiwan, attended the New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company’s performance for the first time, at the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Halls on the afternoon of Feb. 26.
New York-based Shen Yun brings 5,000 years of Chinese civilization to the world, through both music and dance: classically trained dancers, award-winning singers, and a full orchestra comprised of both Eastern and Western instruments.
Amazed by Shen Yun artists’ exquisite performances, he said with excitement, “It’s really very touching. I was moved by their high professional standard. It demonstrates that they have gone through strenuous training. I really admire them.”
Dr. Peng expressed that it’s a pity that Shen Yun can only present such a spectacular shows overseas. He said, “This is something about cultural matters, but it cannot perform in China.”
“Chinese culture is thriving overseas, but it is not the case in China.”
As the world is in chaos, Dr. Peng pointed out that Shen Yun performances reminded people “not to neglect the arts.” Through classical Chinese dance, splendid costumes, the music played by both Chinese and Western music instruments, animated digital backdrops and other exquisite artistic elements, Shen Yun has deeply touched the bottom of its audiences’ hearts, regardless of their different ethnicities and beliefs.
Shen Yun is known for its classical Chinese dance, a system developed over hundreds of years, with each dynasty imbuing it with its own flavor and wisdom—the result is one of the most comprehensive and expressive dance forms in the world.
Dr. Peng expressed that he was very grateful to Shen Yun. He said, “(Shen Yun) is promoting Chinese culture and purifying people’s souls.” He stressed, “The performance was indeed perfect. Though it’s my first time to see the show, I was truly touched.”
Art Professor was Inspired by Shen Yun
Professor Su Tianci was among the audience members who highly spoke of Shen Yun. He expressed that Shen Yun’s music, dance, drama and actors’ skills are really very wonderful. He also praised Shen Yun’s beautiful lighting and animated digital backdrops, and said that they are of very high international standard.
Su Tianci is currently an adjunct professor of the Department of Fine Art at Chinese Culture University. As an artist, Professor Su expressed that he might have found some inspiration for his creations. In fact, Shen Yun’s unique vibrant colors and its handmade costumes would be of much benefit to his Chinese calligraphy.
In addition, Professor Su also pointed out that Shen Yun’s artistic concepts had helped him upgrade his mind, so that he felt the power of compassion in the bottom of his heart. He noted that not only would he recommend Shen Yun to his students, but he would also introduce it to other people around him. “Nowadays society is full of violence. If more people came to see the show, people’s morality could be greatly improved, and the society would be more peaceful,” he concluded.
It’s Wonderful to Culture Through Performance
President of Hans International Charity Foundation Huang Li-Ming also saw the performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts, on Feb. 26. She was glad to see Shen Yun revive traditional Chinese culture, “Many of the younger generations didn’t know (traditional culture) and it is wonderful to present it by performing it!”
It’s Huang’s 8th time watching Shen Yun’s performance. She’s seen the performance since the first year Shen Yun was in Taiwan. “I joined Friends of Shen Yun three years ago. Shen Yun’s performance is fantastic. I come to see it every year and have different experiences each year. I like to support it, even if it was just a small contribution,” said Huang.
This year Huang was most overwhelmed by the magnificent live music by the orchestra.
“The movements of the artists are perfect in my mind. I can’t say which program is the best. Every one of them is amazing! Being so outstanding and superb, I believe that the artists have put in a lot of effort and worked painstakingly with a lot of perseverance. I admire them and praise them.”
“Each year When Shen Yun is in Taiwan, I ask my friends to do their best to come to the show. Shen Yun is exceptionally fine. We have almost lost traditional Chinese culture now. Many young people have not any idea what it is about. Shen Yun presents it by performing it. It’s brilliant!” Huang concluded.
Reporting by Zhu Xiaozhen, Zheng Xinci and Bill Xu, Hsiao-Jhen Chu and Hsin-Yi Lin
Read the original articles: [1] [2] [3]
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit Shen Yun Performing Arts.
The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.