To the delight of theater goers in the great Northwest, Spokane’s First Interstate Center for the Arts will open its curtains to Shen Yun on March 8 and 9.
Just as cities around the world have applauded Shen Yun, Spokane celebrated a wonderful Shen Yun production in past years.
Theatergoers noted the importance of maintaining a culture’s history. Valerie Gentzler, a teacher, agreed when she saw the performance last year.
“I think history is extremely important. And I think a lot of times we’ve lost history. So I think just by supporting [the people of] China and bringing back the history before communism, that there was a different way and people were able to thrive under their own freedom, is really an important message,” she said.
David Gentzler, owner of a trucking company, said, “That’s all that we, of our generation, really have been able to see. So for us, this is really a blessing to see the light into the older culture and the classical dance.”
“Just to see how so much of the art and the music has carried on because of people being dedicated to carrying on those traditions, in spite of not being promoted maybe in their own country, but then people that really want that value, that culture, carrying it on. It’s really inspiring,” said Elisha Voetberg, a social media influencer.
“I’m dazzled, this is just an enlightening event. Truly, truly, culturally so refined, and so uplifting,” said Sister Mary Eucharista, a Catholic nun.
“My heart was moved with not only compassion for all of God’s children, but for the history of China and all the many things that the people of China have gone through, both in ancient and in modern history, and the struggles that they face today,” said Ben Flinders, executive director of a rehabilitation center.
“It really opens up your heart and your eyes to what’s happening throughout the world,” he said.
Aaron Dailey, a college history teacher, watched Shen Yun in 2023, and lamented that Shen Yun cannot be performed in China.
“They’re definitely missing out on this beautiful art being performed,” Mr. Dailey said.
“That was very sad. And to find out that it’s still happening today is just heartbreaking. So as you may see on the stage, the traditional Chinese culture is very spiritual,” said Mr. Dailey.
Shen Yun features a live orchestra that blends traditional Chinese instruments into a classical Western orchestra.
Raine Kravinia, a scientist, said she enjoyed hearing the traditional Chinese musical instruments and that the orchestra “was so well done together with the performance.”
“You can tell that it’s very traditional Chinese music, very beautiful, just incredible tunes,” she said.
She also valued the spiritual values Shen Yun conveyed in its performance.
“Due to these materialistic ideas and greed and animal drives, you have a yearning for the divine, which the West has forgotten about. And we should probably all go back to these common roots,” said Serban Olaru, owner of a dental practice.
History professor Chris Booker saw Shen Yun last year for the first time, but indicated it won’t be his last.
“It was amazing. That’s the first time we’ve seen it. We’ve been looking forward to it. It was great,” Mr. Booker said. “I can’t wait to see it next year. We’ll do it every year. We’re coming back for sure.”
This year, as Shen Yun is set to perform in over 200 cities around the world and across five continents, the 2025 touring season is shaping up to be the artists’ busiest yet and a glorious treat for theatergoers.
