Shen Yun Audience Member Marvels: ‘All People Were Divine’
Apr 27, 2024
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Jim and Julie Maywalt at Shen Yun Performing Arts at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on April 25, 2024. (Sharon Lin/The Epoch Times)
NEWARK, N.J.—Shen Yun Performing Arts performed at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on April 25. Julie and Jim Maywalt enjoyed Shen Yun’s performance very much. Mrs. Maywalt said, “It’s beautiful.” And Mr. Maywalt agreed. “It’s great. Really good. Excellent,” he said.
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.
Mrs. Maywalt, a teacher, liked learning about the history of ancient China and how it can educate the younger generation about another culture. “I think the history is very interesting. There’s a lot that we’ve learned today.”
Mr. Maywalt enjoyed the live orchestra. “I like the music. I thought the singing was interesting,” especially when reading the lyrics on the stage screen as the singers performed.
Mrs. Maywalt heard a spiritual message from the performers. “All people were divine and came to earth. I didn’t know that before.”
Shen Yun could greatly benefit society in many ways, Mr. Maywalt said. “I think it’s great to see this level of dance. I think it’s very informative. It’s great to get out of the house and learn about China, how it was.”
Shen Yun Is ‘A Cultural Bridge’
Anthony Caban, a detective for New York State, said Shen Yun “is so artistic and beautiful.”
There were many aspects of the performance that intrigued him. To be introduced to another culture was important for Mr. Caban. “It’s a cultural bridge between different people,” he said. He enjoyed the live orchestra. “It’s wonderful. Very lighthearted. I like it.”
The technical skills of the performers also impressed him. “They’re flawless. No mistakes whatsoever. That’s got to be incredible to do,” especially working with the stage set. The 3D animated backdrop where performers jump into the screen and come out was amazing to Mr. Caban. “That must take so much practice. It’s flawless. It’s wonderful,” he said.
Anthony Caban attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on April 25. (Frank Liang/Epoch Times)
Mr. Caban read about Shen Yun before coming to the performance and said: “I read a lot about it, and it’s exactly how they describe it. It’s beautiful.” When watching the dances that show the persecution in China, he said: “That’s heartbreaking. People are people. We’ve got to live in peace. There’s no room in the world for evil.”
“I’m enjoying this very much,” he said, and whether he would tell his friends about Shen Yun, Mr. Caban said, “I’d tell them, ‘You’ve got to come see it.’”
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 Frank Liang, Sharon Lin, and Yvonne Marcotte.
