“It’s a very positive show,” said Dr. Neggaz, a professor who teaches history and religious studies at Oxford University and New College of Florida.

“That’s the part we didn’t want to end,” said Neggaz’s friend, Rich Chiovitti. “We were like ‘We have to go? Okay, fine, we will go, on our own. But next time we will be here.’” Chiovitti and Neggaz attended Shen Yun on March 13, 2020, in Venice, Florida.

“Right now I teach a course on the Mongols,” Neggaz said, “So I was really interested in the aspect of the performance of Mongolia. With all the traditional horses, and steppe life, and nomadic aspect.” As Shen Yun’s artists breathe new life into traditional Chinese culture, they draw inspiration from ancient dynasties, historical legends, and the many ethnic groups that made up the Middle Kingdom.

Neggaz appreciated the variety and soul of each piece and even recognized the individuality displayed by each dancer.

As for how deeply spiritual authentic Chinese culture turned out to be, as well as Shen Yun’s portrayal of it, “I was a little surprised actually. I didn’t expect such emphasis,” Neggaz said. “All the performances actually had that aspect of God and divine values. There was this strong message throughout, and there were also comments about communist China and the fact that there is repression and so on.”

Shen Yun includes stories drawn from present-day China where a brutal persecution is taking place against those who wish to carry on China’s spiritual traditions and practices, especially practitioners of Falun Dafa, an ancient meditation practice that includes moral teachings.

From the songs to the dances to the brief additions by the emcees, Neggaz and Chiovitti felt a pervasive sense of soulfulness and positivity throughout Shen Yun’s performance. This, Neggaz said, actually parallels how she views the world at large.

“I think that spirituality in my sense is everywhere. Now, so many people do yoga, meditation, and perhaps they are trying to detach it from the divine, they don’t call it spirituality, but a lot of it is actually. I mean, I personally, for me spirituality is very important in my daily life. It’s helping me to be positive and to keep going, so I personally think it’s a big part of my life,” she said.

“She helps shape people through teaching. But me, I am more of a caretaker, so spiritually, you have to be present in both our professions. It’s definitely a big part of the life and lifestyle,” said Chiovitti, who works as a nurse.

Neggaz felt that the final piece of the evening, which had the most overt reference to the Creator, gave a strong sense of hope and optimism. “Yes! I am personally a rather positive person. I look at the glass half full. But yes, what I take from the performance is definitely the positive end. It’s very optimistic.”

“I was very pleased with the performance. Thank you!” added Chiovitti.

“Actually I will talk about [Shen Yun] especially with my colleagues who do Chinese language, culture, or history,” Neggaz said, “because I think they could have their students come here and watch it, or maybe next year, too ... I also very much like the dresses, the costumes, the colors. Everything was very graceful.”

Chiovitti agreed. “Elegant, very elegant. Beautiful to watch.”

The professor’s final thoughts turned into a type of happy assignment regarding Shen Yun for her friends, family, and colleagues: “Come see it!”

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