(Clearwisdom.net) On the evening of January 8, the Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company presented its first show at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. The intricate dancing, the touching Erhu solo, the breathtaking backdrop and the gorgeous costumes captivated the audience. Tenor Hong Ming was brought out for two encores. At the end of the show, the Shen Yun cast received standing ovations during two curtain calls.
Audience at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
Former Mainland Chinese Dancer: Highly Recommend Shen Yun to Everyone
Sheila Guo was a professional dancer in Mainland China. She said that Shen Yun was a stunning experience for her, "The show was spectacular. The dancers are excellent and they performed authentic classical Chinese dance. The costumes were gorgeous and the backdrop was magnificent. The backdrop and costumes integrated together very well and it was very lively. I was a professional dancer for 8 years, and I am so glad to see the show. I highly recommend the show to everyone."
Soprano: The artists dance for love
Soprano Ms. Liang graduated from the Shanghai Academy of Music, and she said that the performers were excellent.
"We are very lucky to see such a beautiful show in the U.S. I am also an artist and I can tell that the performers spent a lot of time on training. More importantly, they perform for the love of it, not for fame or money. This is why Shen Yun is so beautiful," she commented.
"Without love, the world will be terrible. I saw love from Shen Yun, people showing love to each other and saying no to persecution. It is great that Shen Yun is spreading Chinese tradition. I will come back next year for sure."
Musician: Choreography and Blending of Instruments Were Masterful
Mr. Wu has degrees from music academies in both China and the U.S., and runs his own music studio and teaches violin classes.
Mr. Wu said that the show was very professional. "The choreography and how the instruments blended together were masterful. The backdrop was very beautiful and lively, and the dancing was of a very high level. From a professional perspective, Shen Yun was very well done."
Mainland Scientist: Shen Yun Cast Loves Chinese Traditional Culture
Professor Ge is from a top research institute in Mainland China and is currently a visiting scholar to the U.S. He said, "I heard before that Shen Yun was from New York. However, I didn't know that the company had such a large, high-caliber cast. The show gave a beautiful presentation of Chinese traditional culture and one can tell the cast loves it.
"Today, shows in Mainland Chinese get pretty vulgar. This show is so beautiful, from the choreography to the dancing, from the visual effects to the spiritual realm, everything is of high caliber. The show also reflects the Chinese tradition in spiritual belief. Though I don't have any spiritual belief myself, I respect religions, as they teach people to be self-disciplined and to do good deeds."
Engineer: Shen Yun Awakens People's Sense of Justice and Courage
Gary, a Silicon Valley engineer, said that Shen Yun awakens people's sense of justice and courage
Gary is a Silicon Valley engineer. He said, "I heard about the show and came because of its good reputation. The part which touched me the most was the act which portrayed Falun Gong practitioners being persecuted in China. I have to tell you that I shed tears during the show. Though my family didn't experience what Falun Gong did, we went through several waves of persecution also. That piece just touched the bottom of my heart. I love this theme, which emphasizes justice and courage."
Because of his job, Gary frequently travels to China and Taiwan. Consequently, he is exposed to many different perspectives. His suggestion to fellow Chinese people was to be more open, "Before you make a judgment, you should be open to information from all sources. Don't reject anything before you even know about it. Otherwise, no matter what degree you have, you cannot make the right judgment. You should watch shows like Shen Yun that can help you calm down and give a second thought to many issues. This show is very good, just exceptional."
Scientist: I believe that Shen Yun will soon go to China
Ms. Bi is a bio-scientist. During the intermission, she told a reporter, "The show is very good. Both my daughter and I are enjoying it. We missed the show last year, and we are glad that we made it this year. We will come back if Shen Yun returns."
Bi said that she started to learn dance when she was very young and her daughter is also learning classical Chinese dance and ballet. She said, "Shen Yun's dance is very beautiful, and the costumes are gorgeous. I loved every dance. I also liked the music and vocal solos, which were stunning. Besides Chinese tradition, the show also brings us the truth of many things happening in China. It helps us to widen our scope of knowledge.
"I don't think that Falun Gong should be persecuted. People can have their beliefs. I grew up in such a suppressive environment, so I am very happy to see my friends' children coming to the U.S. to study. I am happy for them because they can now make their own choices.
"I hope that Shen Yun can go to Mainland China, and I believe that [the time] is coming soon."
Beijing Immigrant: "I give Shen Yun five stars!"
Beijing immigrant Mr. Wang came to see the show with his wife and two children. When asked for his comments, he praised Shen Yun repeatedly, "Very good, very good! If I were to give a score, I would give Shen Yun five stars. This is the best show! I think that classical Chinese dance in Mainland China needs to learn from Shen Yun. I will recommend that all my friends see the show."
