(Clearwisdom.net) Shen Yun Divine Performing Arts performed at the Taipei International Convention Center on February 27, 2009. The show touched audience members from art circles and won acclamation.

Former Director of Dance Association: Chinese dance passes down Chinese traditional culture

Chen Zimei, former director of the Dance Association of Keelung City, watched the Shen Yun show on February 27. Ms. Chen, with more than 40 years of dance instruction experience, said that the enthusiasm and dedication of Shen Yun's promotion of authentic Chinese culture with Chinese classical dance is very touching and admirable.

The twirls, leaps, turns and tumbles astounded Ms. Chen. She said that she could feel the inner meaning displayed by the dances, which included teaching people to be compassionate. This method is very unique and she said all the programs touched her.

She said that all the formation changes were very natural and the coordination was very smooth. "In dance, the movements and the plots need to look harmonious rather than reluctant. Therefore, Shen Yun's overall impression was great."

Ms. Chen's own dance company contains two troupes. "Running a dance company is not a simple job," she said.

When she heard that Shen Yun has three companies, she said that it's truly not easy, especially done by Chinese outside of mainland China. "They are absolutely great."

Ms. Chen said that she retired from her job as a director at the end of 2008. While she was teaching, she often led students who won the Gold Award at the annual dance competition in Taiwan.

Last year, she purchased tickets to Shen Yun for more than 100 students and teachers. This year, a colleague of Ms. Chen's who accompanied her said, "They [students and teachers] all thought it was very good. Some of the ones here today were here last year as well. It truly was wonderful. We will all return next year."

Academy Member of School of Art: Combination of music, dancing and costumes presents integrated beauty

Chen Cheng-hsiung, the first Director of the Modern Painting Association of the Republic of China, and a life member of the British Royal Academy of Arts, said, after watching the show, "This show includes Chinese classical dancing and minority ethnic dancing. There are main programs and music. The costumes include ancient styles and minority ethnic simple types. I found the backdrops were beautiful. The show combines music, dancing, and costumes."

Mr. Chen said, "This kind of performance is rare in Taiwan. It [Shen Yun] is a good art company in promoting Chinese traditional art and culture."

He has also watched some performances of other companies in China. He said the Shen Yun show is complete and successfully merges Chinese classical opera with dance. He said, "The backdrops were very good and animated. The performers seem to jump down, stones roll down from mountains--they look vivid and animated."

He was most touched by the last program, Knowing the True Picture Offers Ultimate Hope, "The effect of the performance was very good. The backdrop was designed very well. The scene was splendid with gorgeous colors. It was a combination of visual and audio effects."

Renowned Cellist: Unprecedented astonishing experience

Chang Chengjie, a renowned cellist in Taiwan, was highly impressed upon seeing the show on February 27. "The Chinese classical dance performed by Shen Yun was truly one of a kind, because in Taiwan it is very rare to see [Chinese classical dance]. This was a very good opportunity for the general public."

Mr. Chang, who was accompanied by his wife, pianist Hsieh Wanling, particularly enjoyed the first program, The Five Millennia Begin.

"I was astounded. I was wowed at such an opening. It was such a wonderful feeling. The opening captured everybody's heart. I think right from the beginning, the performance was great," he said.

Mr. Chang added that the show was "Very delicate, very dedicated work and very well planned for people to understand the essence of Chinese culture from ancient times to the present day."

He said that he used to be very familiar with modern and classical ballet, yet he had never experienced the "exquisite" Chinese classical dance.

"The dance and the overall movements and gestures left me with a deep impression."

He said he liked every single program. He found the body language of the piece, Dance of the Yi to be particularly exceptional.

Over the years, Mr. Chang has continuously strived to promote classical music in Taiwan. He was surprised to learn that Shen Yun had three companies traveling across four continents, often playing to full houses.

"I can feel and understand that Shen Yun has been having full houses in many countries. Audiences are touched from their hearts for sure. By word of mouth, people are telling their friends about it; this is very powerful. It is probably even more effective than newspaper advertisements."

He said the show "has inner meaning to convey--this is very important. Nowadays there are many other shows where the performers have absolutely no idea what they are doing themselves."

Mr. Chang said that Shen Yun clearly conveyed Chinese culture.

"The things in Shen Yun that most inspired me were the holistic Chinese culture and Chinese classical dance. The Chinese classical dance particularly struck me.

Honorary Professor of National Taiwan Normal University: The choreography and lyrics bring inspiration

Wang Hsiu-hsiung, an honorary professor of the National Taiwan Normal University, teaches in the art institute of the university. He thought Shen Yun was unique, "The costumes were designed according to each program and appeared elegant. The backdrops showed digital and animated images. The dancing is professional. It seems that the performers learned Chinese classical dance and ballet. Each program and piece of music was beautiful."

Mr. Wang said that the show included humor, "We know well the story of Journey to the West. The dance portrayed it very well." He continued, "The choreographers, or lyricists, are high level people. The choreography and lyrics bring inspiration and let one ponder the final goal of life."

Mr. Wang said emotionally, "The show includes stories about Buddhas via classical dance. The dancers express the realm of deities via dancing. This is what I was impressed with most."