(Clearwisdom.net) After watching the Shen Yun Performing Arts final performance in San Francisco on Thursday Jan. 7, at the War Memorial Opera House, Mr. Frazier wished that, as a professional photographer, he could have captured the magic on film.
Mr. Frazier has a whole new appreciation for China
Mr. Frazier felt that the reason Shen Yun has a powerful effect on audiences is that the performers deeply believe in their roles as artists and communicators and work hard to express their true culture. "You can't say enough about what I believe is the passion, the deep belief, and conviction of the individuals who are involved in this performance," he explained.
Mr. Frazier spoke about the impact Shen Yun had on him: "[Shen Yun] was definitely something quite different, and I was very happy that I came out. I felt that it was exceptional in terms of the history of the performance itself--all that's involved, and the traditional dance, and also being able to understand a little bit more about what's going on in China today versus the traditional China."
Mr. Frazier felt that by seeing Shen Yun he was able to gain a whole new appreciation for China, learning through Shen Yun that China's 5,000-year history has impacted the whole world through art, culture, literature, and philosophy.
He was both saddened and inspired during the performances, which through dance, portrays true stories of oppression in today's China, but also left him with a message of hope. "Just simply think about the freedoms that we have here that we're able to exercise, versus so many other people around the world who are not able to express their religious beliefs and their convictions freely without going to prison. That's something we definitely take for granted," he said.
Mr. Frazier has a message for others who are considering attending Shen Yun: "It's truly something! Anyone who has the opportunity should spend the money, take the time, and come out and see this incredible performance! It was very touching to me."
Former Ballerina: 'Very moving'
Michelle Privette, a former dancer for the San Francisco Ballet, saw the seventh and final show in San Francisco of Shen Yun Performing Arts Thursday evening, and she was greatly impressed. "This is absolutely fantastic -- absolutely gorgeous," she said. "Very, very difficult choreography and lots and lots of training, so it's really nice."
Ms. Privette said, "The detail with the fingers; the detail with the hands - and the hands and everything is very, very precise. That's why I love it. It's just excellent."
She noted the beauty of the costumes, and enjoyed hearing the two emcees speak in both English and Chinese to explain the tradition, background, and significance of each performance. "I liked that. So you get more of the culture, more of the story behind the dancing, too."
Ms. Privette had one wish: "I'm sorry my family's not here. I would love my kids to see it. It's very, very emotional, very moving."
Reflecting further, she added that she was moved by the profounder messages in the performances, "There's spirituality about this -- there's a humanity that's melded in with the art -- that's really nice. It's not just, 'I'm dancing.' It's passionate dancing. I like that too."
According to its website, Shen Yun dancers take to heart an ancient Chinese belief; that to create true art, there must first be inner beauty. Ms. Privette valued this depth and spirituality. She said, "It's very, very important. It's very, very important."
Ms. Privette said that she recommends Shen Yun to others. "Just fantastic -- it's just absolutely fantastic. You should see this!"
Source:
Category: Shen Yun Performing Arts
