SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun Delights Audience, Elicits Tears and Reflection

Apr 18, 2024

PURCHASE, N.Y.—The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College hosted Shen Yun Performing Arts on April 18. Tom Ringwald, vice president of operations for his company, was charmed by the performance. “It was outstanding,” he said, “especially the opening scene. It just brought tears to my eyes. I mean it.”

Mr. Ringwald was affected by the stunning grandeur of what he had seen. “It was just overwhelmingly beautiful. I can’t explain it. I was overwhelmed with the beauty, and the simplicity, and yet stunning, stunning visual arrangement,” he said.

The technical artistry of the show, especially the backdrop, drew his attention. “I can’t believe how you do that. That’s amazing ... Words can’t explain it. It’s just dumbfounding how well done it is. And I go to a lot of Broadway shows. This is one of my favorite, by far—and I go to a lot of Broadway shows,” he said.

Through classical Chinese dance and music, Shen Yun is sharing with the world the beauty of China’s authentic 5,000 years of history. Since its founding in 2006, the company has received worldwide accolades for its mission to revive traditional Chinese culture.

Although Mr. Ringwald said he knew very little about the culture of ancient China, he wanted to know more. “I know very little about it. So, to learn something new, I’m looking forward to the rest of it.”

He felt a strong spiritual message, he said. “It reminded me that I need to get back to doing some meditation.”

Mr. Ringwald sat close to the orchestra and appreciated the live music. “Oh, it’s outstanding. The orchestra is amazing. It’s amazing. The bassoon, I love the bassoon. Ladies, I can see you up close. I’m in the fourth row. It’s very happy. My wife bought me very nice tickets.”

With shows scheduled in over 200 cities and across five continents, the 2024 touring season is shaping up to be the artists’ busiest yet.

He said he’d be sure to spread the word about Shen Yun. “I’m going to tell all my friends that they need to come. That it’s visually stunning and you really should come to this show.”

Aparna Pemmaraju and her husband, Ramana Mantravadi, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, on April 18. (Sally Sun/The Epoch Times) — Aparna Pemmaraju and her husband, Ramana Mantravadi, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, on April 18. Sally Sun/The Epoch Times

‘It’s a Peaceful Culture,’ Says Psychiatrist

Ramana Mantravadi attended Shen Yun with his wife, Aparna Pemmaraju, and enjoyed the performance. Mr. Mantravadi said, “I want to know about Chinese culture before communism.”

Ms. Pemmaraju, a psychiatrist, said Shen Yun was “beautiful and colorful, and then its moral stories, too, are okay.”

She said she learned much about traditional Chinese culture. “It’s a peaceful culture. And very respectful to the older people (elders) and women. I didn’t know that Chinese folks believe in God.” This said much to Mr. Mantravadi. “So it shows the values of Chinese culture.”

Ms. Pemmaraju pointed out the educational value of Shen Yun’s mission to revive the traditions of ancient China. “It helps to educate the younger generation [to things about China] that even I don’t know. So, this is all good for the younger generation,” she said.

Mr. Mantravadi said Shen Yun informs the world about the evils of communism. “I think the values are important. I think they should also add a dance or a storyline to show why communism is bad.”

Reporting by Frank Liang, Sally Sun, and Yvonne Marcotte.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.