WASHINGTON, D.C.—Joseph and Betsy Benkowski knew China had a beautiful history, and were amazed to see it brought to life through
dance by Shen Yun Performing Arts.
“They were amazing,” said Mrs. Benkowski at the Kennedy Center on Feb. 20. “I’m always impressed with the interpretation in dance, as well as the athleticism of the performers ... they were amazing.”
Mr. Benkowski, an investor, said the history and culture delivered through art was “educational, enlightening,” and “very entertaining.”
New York-based Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company. Through
music and
dance, Shen Yun aims to revive 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, sharing with audiences the beauty of China before communism.
Mr. Benkowski said the performance reminded him how important it is to know your roots.
“You begin to realize is where you came from what made you who you are what made society what it is is extremely important important i think to perpetuating us into the future,” he said.
The Benkowskis said they did not know much about the communist regime of modern China, and learned during the performance that
Shen Yun could not perform in China where it is banned by the regime.
“In my impression it’s important to continue to support [
Shen Yun] and increase awareness, but there is so much of an infrastructure around it it’s almost insurmountable with a small, eight troupes around the world. You need hundreds,” Mrs. Benkowski said.
Mr. Benkowski cheered the artists on.
“I think you can never give up. ... To enlighten people to understand, change will come in time,” he said.
Reporting by Frank Liang and Catherine Yang.
