SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun ‘Shows Us That There Is Hope at the End of the Day,’ Says Canadian MP

Apr 05, 2024

TORONTO—Conservative member of Parliament Anna Roberts attended Shen Yun’s evening performance at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts on April 4. And during her visit, she presented an award to the company to commend the artists for their extraordinary cultural contribution.

The mission of New York-based Shen Yun is to revive China’s lost culture and its belief in the divine through beautiful dance and music.

Since its founding in 2006, the performing arts company has grown to become a global sensation. Eight equally sized touring companies are set this year to perform in over 200 cities worldwide, including nine cities across Canada.

In addition to presenting a series of classical Chinese, folk, and ethnic dances, the company also presents story-based dances that recount tales from ancient times to the modern day.

For Ms. Roberts, Shen Yun shares with all of Canada a story of “the struggles and the sacrifices that the Chinese people have made.”

“It also shows us that there is hope at the end of the day. I think anyone who watches the show will come away with that satisfaction. Absolutely beautiful,” she said.

“I wish I had [their] ability because they’re absolutely spectacular. The whole performance—the acrobats, the dance, the music—it’s something that lifts the soul. I think that’s what we need today. We need to bring that hope back to Canada.”

Also in the audience was Liberal member of Ontario provincial parliament Andrea Hazell. She, too, was enthralled by the beauty of the show.

“I’m blown away. Usually I’m not speechless, but I am speechless today. It’s everything that you hear about the show, everything that you’ve seen in the advertising. But when you’re here—oh my goodness, it’s something that the entire Canada should come out and look at because it’s mesmerizing,” she exclaimed.

“The pieces that I’ve seen—it’s like dreams coming true—love, passion, peace, and hope for a better future. But what [I] love most is the culture—the beauty and the costumes just bring everything alive together from beginning to end. So, how can I not be here to support [that] vision, to support the culture’s sustainability? I think that’s really important tonight.”

Provincial Parliament Member Andrea Hazell enjoyed Shen Yun's evening performance at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, on April 4, 2024. (NTD) — Provincial Parliament Member Andrea Hazell enjoyed Shen Yun's evening performance at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, on April 4, 2024. NTD

Prior to the communist takeover of China in 1949 and the regime’s spread of atheism, Chinese people had a deep belief in the divine. In fact, the whole foundation of China’s civilization was built on values and virtues from the spiritual teachings of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.

In the decades since the Chinese Communist Party came to power, these beliefs have been all but completely destroyed.

Ms. Hazell is very supportive of the artists’ mission to revive and keep these traditions alive.

“[Shen Yun] is going to motivate a lot of young people to want to keep that culture alive. ... We need cultures to keep alive,” she said.

“What a wonderful place to come to—Canada. Freedom is here. Express your belief, whether it’s a culture or your religion, we want to welcome that in Canada.”

This is her first time seeing Shen Yun, and Ms. Hazell said she will certainly be returning. As a dancer herself, she knows first-hand the dedication necessary to put on a show of this caliber.

“Congratulations in so many ways. I’m going to be here next year, and I want to travel to see another show. [Shen Yun] has got to do more shows in Toronto,” she said.

“This is a lot of work. My heart goes out to every one of the dancers. It’s not easy—it’s day and night, it’s bruises on the feet, and bruises on the heels. I love them. I love them so much.”

Reporting by NTD and Jennifer Tseng.

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