(Clearwisdom.net) "Breathtaking!" is how Burnaby City Councilor Anne Kang described Shen Yun Performing Arts after seeing it for the first time in Vancouver's Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

"It was a fantastic show--just to see all the vibrancy, the colors on stage, and to know that they've been preparing with their hearts and with compassion as well," added Ms. Kang.

Burnaby City Councilor Anne Kang

"When I was watching the show, I really felt touched by the story lines. And it really showed what real Chinese culture is and really getting to the root of it, so I really appreciate Shen Yun coming to Vancouver and sharing this with us Vancouverites," said Ms. Kang.

She said that this was her first time to see Shen Yun, but "there will be many, many times to come. I came today by myself, but I will be bringing more councilors with me next year, because I know with this wonderful performance I'll have lots to talk about with them and they would want to see this for themselves."

Persevering Through Adversity

Dr. Cormack, Dean of Simon Fraser University's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, was among the audience in Queen Elizabeth Theatre. "It was beautiful. The dancers were so talented and the costumes were beautiful. It had a very uplifting message. It was very interesting. I really enjoyed it," she said.

Dr. Cormack, Dean of Simon Fraser University's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Dr. Cormack enjoyed seeing the diverse ethnic groups that are an integral part of China represented on stage. "What I found really interesting is having dances from different areas, so the Tibetans, the Mongolians--I thought that was a really interesting addition to give you a sense of different cultural areas, the different kinds of dances and costumes that they have. I really enjoyed that as well.

"It reminded us again that China is not just one culture, but many cultures. I think that's a very important message for us."

She shared that what most strongly impressed her about the show was, "Certainly the idea that we persevere through adversity."

Muslim Leader Has High Praise for Shen Yun

Mr. Khaki, a leading member of Vancouver's Muslim community had high praise for Shen Yun. "It was excellent! I could relate to it, the human feeling, the human dignity--that tradition that is over 5,000 years old. It was still promoting human dignity, the human face of the culture," said Mr. Khaki.

Mr. Khaki, a leading member of Vancouver's Muslim community

Mr. Khaki, who originates from Africa and grew up in Britain, is president of a coalition of religious-based organizations concerned with racism, human dignity, and equality. He is also president of a national Muslim organization and president of an organization that represents all the major world religions.

Mr. Khaki said that what the dancers expressed, "came from within, although it was expressed outside. But there was something in there which told them who we are, what we are, and what we represent. And to me, I could relate to every bit of it."

He said that one piece that particularly impressed him was "Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution." "I was really touched by that. It was so well presented. It meant to me that we need to reach out to people and see what we can do to help them."

"This show was absolutely fantastic! I enjoyed every minute of it," enthused Mrs. Khaki, who attended the show with her husband. "It's so easy to get lost in this big world and forget about your traditions and your culture. What we saw today represents the young ones, and they are coming up and they are showing what their culture is, and they understand it, otherwise they wouldn't be able to present it. It was excellent, I thought."

As for the dancing, she said, "I thoroughly enjoyed it--very graceful. And the clothes--oh, my goodness, the colors were fantastic. The beauty was there--it's the beauty of their people. I enjoyed every minute of it."

Biofeedback Coach: "The Colors Really Speak to Me!"

For Ms. Young, a biofeedback counselor and lifestyle coach, the colors of Shen Yun were particularly meaningful. "Spectacular! It's the vibrancy of the colors that really spoke to me. Just all the different variations and the color combinations, really. I really loved seeing the flowing fabrics and the bright magentas and the yellows," she said.

Ms. Young explained that, due to her job, she was particularly excited after seeing Shen Yun, "I work with color therapy a lot, so vibrant color really speaks to me and is very exciting for me to see. That's my passion--color--so when I saw the show it was just so exciting to see."

Referring to the piece "Knowing the True Picture Offers Ultimate Hope," Ms. Young said, "When you see the long yellow scarves flowing in the air, the yellow is very energetic!" She was also impressed by the colous in "Welcoming Spring." "I love the petals, they're just gorgeous. [It] represents the selfless love that we give to humanity."

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