Canada: Shen Yun Comes to Toronto with Five Shows

(Clearwisdom.net) Shen Yun Performing Arts came to Toronto, Ontario, Canada from January 12-15, 2012. Five performances were given at the Sony Centre over the four days.

TV Producer: “Everything About It Is First-Class”

This was TV producer Morgan Roebuck's second year seeing Shen Yun. “The show was fantastic,” he said, “and it’s even better this year than last year.”

“Everything about it is first-class,” he said. “The dancing was first-class. Absolutely perfect. It was a flawless performance, and I have never seen anything like it. The music was fantastic. That was one of the best orchestras I’ve heard in a long time. And again, they mixed the western style with traditional Chinese, and it worked out perfectly.”

In addition to the video backdrop incorporated with the live action, Roebuck was impressed with the composition of the show. “I thought the chorography for Chinese traditional dance was very progressive, it incorporated some contemporary moves, that really appeal to all the audience. It wasn’t just based in history, I think it mixed contemporary life in China with the tradition, and I think it resulted in a more well-rounded show.”

On what he learned from the show, Roebuck responded, “I think the ultimate message from this show was ‘the truth will ultimately prevail.’”

Morgan Roebuck

Business Owner: “Everybody Should Have An Opportunity To At Least See It Once”

Naz Tombazian, owner of a printing company, and his wife Taline were watching Shen Yun for the first time, and had great things to say about the show.

“We enjoyed it very much,” said Naz. “It was very graceful, the music was beautiful, it was serene, peaceful.”

“I loved it,” said Taline. “It was very spiritual, and it was very emotionally and mentally peaceful. All the colors, all the costumes, all the presentation was very excellent.” Mrs. Tombazian also shared her process of getting tickets-- a Chinese lady had stopped by her house with a brochure. Later she saw an ad in a national paper, and during the Christmas season they saw some ladies at a booth downtown. “I told my husband we have to get them now,” she said.

“I was comparing it to our culture,” said Mr. Tombazian of the show, reflecting on their Armenian heritage. “We're one of the first cultures too, but it's so different. Even our son, a 10-year-old, he should see it, to appreciate the Chinese culture. Everybody should have an opportunity to at least see it once... you can learn so much.”

Naz repeated his favorable opinion of the show. “I never expected what I saw. It's so graceful. The music and the performance were just beautiful.”

Taline and Naz Tombazian

Buddhist Monk: Very Comfortable Feeling

Chonggak Seonwon, a Buddhist monk originally from Korea, has been living in the Toronto area for the past 20 years.

“I wasn't expecting to see a show like this. I love it. The feeling that comes to me is very comfortable,” he said. Seonwon added that he enjoyed the presentation of Buddhist traditions and history.

Seonwon also mentioned that he rarely goes out to places other than the temple where he is based. But he really appreciated the opportunity to see Shen Yun. “I had a great experience. Whoever has concerns [in their lives] should come out to see the show, because it will help with solving their problems. Everyone will love it.”

Chonggak Seonwon

Audience Member: “I'm Floating”

“I find it amazing,” said theater-goer Diana Schwartz about Shen Yun. “I'm so impressed with the color of the costumes, the message that is very clearly conveyed by the artists, and the music is so calming and fascinating.”

“I feel light right now,” she continued. “I feel light, and... floating. I'm floating,” she said, chuckling with the interviewer as she described the feeling from watching the show.

On the use of the digital backdrop, Ms. Schwartz said, "The backdrop almost looks natural. The sky, the water, the rocks, it's unbelievable. It feels like you're outside, in the middle of nature."

From reading the program book, Ms. Schwartz felt like she was able to get an even better grasp of what was being presented on stage. “There is a lot of deep meaning in every dance, some kind of philosophy of life, that can help you become a better person, and understand Chinese culture.”