(Clearwisdom.net) The Shen Yun Performing Arts 2009 World Tour arrived at Stockholm on March 18 to perform for the second consecutive year. The venue for the shows was once again the distinguished Cirkus, a multi-purpose theater located in the recreational and cultural district of the city, the Royal Djurgarden. The Shen Yun performances last year left cherished impressions on the Swedish audience, among them many dignitaries and professional artists. When the news of Shen Yun's return to Sweden became known, many sent their greetings to support the shows.

Katja Bjorner, an acclaimed solo dancer of the Royal Swedish Opera, said in her greetings published in the show program that the exquisite Shen Yun artists "opened a new world that I had never seen before. A wonderful treasure! As I myself danced the Swan Lake in China last summer, to experience the art of genuine Chinese dance by Shen Yun enriched me very much."

In another welcome message, Dr. Chiu Jong-Jen, representative of the Taipei Mission in Sweden, said that he hoped that traditional Chinese culture could be "enshrined for the audience" through Shen Yun. "The magnificent stage performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts expresses the essence of Chinese culture. It also gives birth to the ethics of mankind based on rites, honor, loyalty, humanity, faith, and peace. It fills me with an indescribable feeling of happiness," wrote Dr. Chiu.

Nineteen Members of the Swedish Parliament signed a joint statement proclaiming the right to benefit from the Chinese cultural heritage that has been suppressed during many years of communist government in China. Through a combination of beauty, strength, and joy, Shen Yun shows what the traditional Chinese culture has to offer mankind in a show consisting of a program of 20 masterful dances, music, and songs.

"Very pleasant and impressive," said Swedish book publisher, Arne Johansson during the intermission of the show. Johansson further stated that the show is well-balanced and portrays different aspects of Chinese culture.

The reaction of the Swedish audience seems to confirm that their expectations were surpassed.

"They are incredibly knowledgeable and skillful," said Wieslaw Ustupski, a civil engineer who was astonished by the agility of dancers. "They seem to just fly through the air," he added.

Wieslaw Ustupski, a civil engineer

Among the audience was Mr. Arnell, who is a show business director in the field of music, drama and magic shows. After he checked the show's information on the Internet, immediately he felt that he must see it. He brought his wife and his mother. After the show, he said he would see it again many times. "The musicians are fantastic and the dancers precisely skillful. The feeling and the message they communicate--I love it," he said. Mr. Arnell felt the Shen Yun artists conveyed a message of goodness to the audience.

Mr. and Mrs. Arnell, and the elder Mrs. Arnell attended the show

"These ancient words one doesn't hear much nowadays," he said, referring to the words, truthfulness, compassion and forbearance, which are sung in the show.

"And dignity and respect," added Ms. Arnell. She loved the two-stringed Chinese musical instrument, the erhu. "It was very lovely," she said.

Mr. Arnell said that it gave them pleasure to see the animations depicting flying gods. "There is hope despite the times of darkness," he said.

"I was so into it that I think I was transferred to another world; it was such fine class," said Ms. Arnell. Attending the performance was part of her 90th birthday celebration.

Source:
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/13882/
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/13950/