(Clearwisdom.net) Amid thunderous applause, the New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts Company performed its first of two shows at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts on March 20, 2010.

The audience at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday March 20.

Among the audience was Sophia Kennedy, a former dancer and her girlfriend Claudia, a jeweler.

"We have spent the most delightful hours watching beautiful women and young men perform with such grace. They were like butterflies. They were beautiful. It was very uplifting and my little soul is very happy," said Ms. Kennedy.

She continued, "The costuming was exquisite and the girls, you can see that they have excellent training and the classical movements. They were very, very precise in their movements and the steps were done right and properly, it seems like there's no effort put into it--very, very wonderful."

Explaining the types of dance that she enjoys, she said, "I don't like all kinds of dance … but I do love classical ballet … I like classical dances very, very much."

Referring to the performance, In a Miao Village, Ms. Kennedy said, "just fantastic!" adding, "And the movements, I've never seen movements like that! That was really, really beautiful."

A big fan of Chinese music, Ms. Kennedy thought that the orchestra--composed of both Chinese and Western instruments-- perfectly supported the dancers.

"It's a marriage. The music has to balance [the dance performances]. It wasn't so loud, it wasn't overpowering. It was uplifting. It seemed to be a very intricate part of the movement.

"If you [could] see music on stage, that was the dancers. The dancers were the dancing music. It seems like they are one--you needed one. They balanced each other very beautifully. ... It's complemented extremely well. They used the classical backgrounds and composed what was just perfect," she said.

Councilor and former teacher: "This is an experience of a lifetime"

Patricia Williams came to the show with her granddaughter and great grandson.

Patricia Williams, a retired mathematics teacher and a counselor, attended the show with her granddaughter and great grandson.

"I feel that Shen Yun is for all ages. It's just so beautiful and so inspiring. Our hearts go out to the Chinese people [who are persecuted in China] and we want to help in whatever way we can," she said.

Ms. Williams continued, "I think honoring traditional stories and the truth that our wise elders handed down to every generation, is so important to recognize, [including] the respect for the elders. This trueness--seeking true spirituality--is something that has always inspired me, and the dancers just bring that out."

In describing Shen Yun, she was full of accolades, asking that the interviewer send the performers her "best wishes for not only inspiring people, but educating them as well."

Concluding, Ms. Williams said, "This is an experience of a lifetime and I believe it is something that every member of the family should see." 

Artist and docent: "Shen Yun will keep the beauty of China alive"

McCord Pierce said that she wanted to learn "what China was all about."

Also among the audience was McCord Pierce, an artist and the youngest docent to ever work at the Portland Classical Chinese Garden.

McCord attended the show because she wanted to learn "what China was all about."

"What I learned was how much there is to learn; how big and deep and complex the subject of China really is, and its importance to the world," she said.

After seeing the show, McCord was hopeful that China's beauty "wouldn't be swallowed up by its own interests."

She especially enjoyed the female performances "for their synchronicity and delicate, graceful movement."

Noting that contemporary Chinese dance has become progressively gymnastic in style, she said that Shen Yun remains "a rare delight to see" because the performers' "subtle and precise feminine movements are showcased so beautifully."

Referring to one of China's oldest ethnic groups, the Miao [Hmong], who were known for their elaborate headdresses and ornate silver jewelry, she said, "The Hmong dance was very different from the classical Chinese dances, but by far the most fun to watch! I've always liked the Hmong's style, and am so happy Shen Yun is celebrating it."

McCord said that as an artist, she really enjoyed the costumes' colors and designs: "I actually learned some things about color just from watching. They were all something out of a dream. My eyes hurt from not blinking!"

Appreciating the dance sets depicting the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China, Ms. Pierce said that people in China need "positive change in their society, and that we as Americans should support that."

She concluded by saying, "Shen Yun is one of those things that will keep the beauty of China alive."　

Sources:

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/31764/ 
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/31784/
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/31761/