SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

‘The Culture Is Beautiful,’ Says Financial Analyst

Apr 22, 2024

PURCHASE, N.Y.—Rebecca Rosen and James Breen attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, on April 21.

Ms. Rosen, a financial analyst in the energy industry, said she was very curious about Shen Yun when she came for the first time. “It’s my first time seeing the show. I have seen the advertisements, and I was very curious about it; I think it’s beautiful, the culture is beautiful, and I’m happy to experience it for myself. It’s things you don’t normally see, so I wanted to experience it.”

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.

Mr. Breen, a realtor, was curious about China today. “I’m interested in learning more about what’s going on in China in the present day with the communist regime. So, the fact that this focuses on that to an extent is what made it interesting. You know, what caught my attention was when I saw the advertisements, and I heard people talking about it,” he said.

Both were interested in the spiritual message of the performance. Mr. Breen said, “The spiritual aspect of it does come through in the dancing. It’s interesting to see and just to absorb some of the culture going back, like they said 5,000 years.”

Overall, Mr. Breen said the production was “excellent.”

Ms. Rosen agreed and when asked if she would recommend Shen Yun to friends. “I would recommend them to come see it, and experience it for themselves. Yes, absolutely. I think it’s definitely worth it and definitely worth checking out,” she said.

Live Orchestra Makes Shen Yun ‘More Special’ to Company Owner

John Bernal, who owns his own company, appreciated Shen Yun as a gift from his wife. “It’s wonderful. This is all a gift from my wife. She said we have to come. And it’s fantastic, not just the performers, but the music. It’s amazing. I mean, we’re just so enjoying this. I’m just so happy to be here. And we would definitely come again.”

He could not say what stood out for him. “The whole performance. I mean, it all stands out. It’s just absolutely amazing. You know, you get so immersed in the show. The music just flows, and you look down [at the orchestra pit], and you realize it’s live. This isn’t a recording. That’s what makes it even more special,” he said.

John Bernal at Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, on April 21, 2024. (Weiyong Zhu/The Epoch Times) — John Bernal at Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, on April 21, 2024. Weiyong Zhu/The Epoch Times

Mr. Bernal said the stories had a big impact on him, especially the effect of communism on China today. “The stories, the message. And the fact that you bring in communist China, and how that plays a role in your show, and what’s happening over there.

“You bring reality to the people,” he said, “and what is happening in China. It’s very moving. It’s heartbreaking, also. There’re so many messages in the performance. And it’s depicted by the performers, the music itself, the narrators. It’s just wonderful.”

Mr. Bernal also resonated with Shen Yun’s spiritual message. “That’s another part that you bring into it, the whole spiritual aspect. I was a little taken aback [about] the atheism, and unfortunately, there are a lot of atheists out there.

“And you’re right: The one story [about the restaurant] actually depicts it well. We need more spirituality in our lives. And unfortunately, it’s getting lost. You’re really hitting on a lot of different topics. And it’s just very refreshing. I didn’t expect this. And it is absolutely wonderful,” he said.

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

Reporting by Weiyong Zhu 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.