MONTREAL—Alan DeSousa, mayor of Montreal’s Saint-Laurent borough, says Shen Yun Performing Arts is a “very enlightening, very enriching work of art.”
“We are excited. My wife and I are blown away by the music, the costumes, the dance, the stage scenery,” said Mr. DeSousa after seeing Shen Yun’s opening performance in Montreal at the Théâtre Maisonneuve on April 13.
I think it's not just a small bit of light, it's a rainbow of light and colors and that's why I think hope springs eternal.
“There’s enormous vistas of light, enormous colors, enormous themes to capture and enhance our visual talents, our sensual talents to appreciate it. I think it’s not just a small bit of light, it’s a rainbow of light and colors and that’s why I think hope springs eternal.”
Based in New York, Shen Yun is a classical Chinese dance and music company with a mission to revive China’s traditional culture. With highly skilled and talented dancers, a unique orchestra combining traditional Chinese instruments and classical Western instruments, beautiful animated backdrops, and colorful costumes and props, the performing arts company travels the world each year, bringing its beautiful performances to audiences worldwide.
Mr. DeSousa, who has also served as a member of the City of Montreal’s Executive Committee and the Montreal Metropolitan Community, said Shen Yun’s portrayal of traditional Chinese culture allows for a change in perspective for the audience.
“It gives you a chance to see Chinese culture, and how it is in the traditional sense of the word. And it’s something that we have not had a chance to experience or to be exposed to,” he said.
Mr. DeSousa said that Shen Yun’s efforts to showcase classical Chinese dance and the spirituality in the Chinese culture are important so that this rich heritage isn’t lost.
“It should be preserved for many more future generations to appreciate,” Mr. DeSousa said.
He added that Shen Yun is a “great occasion” for people to come out after two years of pandemic and to see the hope and the “smiles on people’s faces.”
I think we need to, as human beings, get out, mix and mingle and socialize.
“I am always careful, and I’m glad to see people here are being cautious. People are taking all the precautions that you need to, but at the same time, I think we need to, as human beings, get out, mix and mingle and socialize,” he said.
‘Amazing Is the Word’
Jacques Cohen, a councillor in Montreal's Saint-Laurent borough, at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at the Théâtre Maisonneuve, in Montreal, on April 13, 2022. NTD
Jacques Cohen, a councillor in the Saint-Laurent borough, said Shen Yun is “absolutely beautiful.”
“The dance, the colors, the music, it’s very touching, ... and very impressive,” he said.
Mr. Cohen said he’s glad Shen Yun is finally back in Montreal after two years of not being able to perform in Canada due to the pandemic. He also praised the performance for the deeper meanings it conveys.
“It’s not just physical, it’s in the mind, it’s in the spirit,” he said. “[Shen Yun is] calming, relaxing, but at the same time, exciting.”
Shen Yun, Mr. Cohen added, is a performance that “makes you feel good,” and one that he would recommend others to see.
“Amazing is the word.”
Shen Yun will be staging performances at the Théâtre Maisonneuve from April 13 to 17.
Reporting by NTD.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
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