HARTFORD, Conn.—“Finally, I’m here,” exclaimed writer Brendan Kearney after three years of waiting to see Shen Yun Performing Arts.
Mr. Kearney attended the evening production at The William H. Mortensen Hall, in Hartford, on Feb. 11.
Brendan Kearney at The William H. Mortensen Hall, in Hartford, on Feb. 11, 2023. Weiyong Zhu/The Epoch Times
As a former camera operator for a video production, Mr. Kearney was impressed by Shen Yun’s artistry.
“It’s quite beautiful … very impressive,” he said, “the dancers are amazing—incredible athletes!”
New York-based Shen Yun’s mission is to revive China’s 5,000-year-old traditional culture. The company says its performances demonstrate “China before communism” and features ethnic and folk dances along with story-based dances that tell tales from ancient times to the modern day.
“It’s very moving, very emotional,” said Mr. Kearney, “I feel that it’s touched my heart.”
‘There’s a Lot of Peace’
Scott Accetta, graphic designer, and his wife Jillian Accetta, aesthetician, were both stunned by the beauty of Shen Yun at The William H. Mortensen Hall, in Hartford on Feb. 11.“It’s stunning! The colors, the culture … everything about it is absolutely beautiful,” said Mrs. Accetta.
Scott and Jillian Accetta at The William H. Mortensen Hall, in Hartford, on Feb. 11., 2023. Frank Liang/The Epoch Times
Seated in the front of the orchestra, the Accettas said they were so close they could “feel the energy when the dancers moved around” and “almost feel the wind coming off!”
“It’s very artful, it’s very inspiring,” said Mr. Accetta. “All the energy is very impressive … very stunning to watch.”
With its flips and gentle elegance, classical Chinese dance is one of the most athletic and expressive art forms in the world. According to the company’s website, Shen Yun has preserved the true aesthetics of this classical dance system—the way it has been passed down from antiquity— and presents this authentic culture in its purest form.
“I think there’s a lot of peace that comes out of the show,” said Mrs. Accetta, “It kind of unifies [us].”
Reporting by Weiyong Zhu, Frank Liang, and Jennifer Schneider.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
![Connecticut Mayor: ‘People in China Need [Shen Yun] to Remind Them of Who They Are’](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F05%2F11%2Fid5648198-1.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
