Shen Yun Beams “Hope for China's Future” in Anyang, South Korea (Photos)

(Clearwisdom.net) Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company completed three shows at the Anyang Arts Center in Anyang, South Korea, on March 3 and 4, 2012. Anyang is a booming cultural center in the region, and those fortunate enough to attend Shen Yun performances in the city were lavish with their praise. The premier classical Chinese dance and music company travels the world with a brand-new production each year, with the mission to revive 5,000 years of authentic Chinese culture.

Director of Chinese Democracy Coalition: “I see hope for China’s future” in Shen Yun

Mr. Wu Zhenrong, director of the South Korea Division of the Overseas Chinese Democracy Coalition, watched the show on Saturday evening with eight Chinese friends. He greatly appreciated Shen Yun's presentation of traditional culture, which has become nearly extinct under China's communist rule in recent decades.

“The entire performance used the form of the arts to carry forward the traditional Chinese culture,” noted Mr. Wu. “China is a country with multiple races,” he added. “This evening show displayed multi-ethnic arts on the stage. I feel very happy and very appreciative, as they especially use a traditional approach to interpret Chinese culture.”

The dance number called An Era Begins, which opened the show, held a special significance for Mr. Wu. “This scene left a deep impression on me, as if it ushered in a new era for us, which is the hope for China’s future,” he said.

Noting that “the show also showcased the Chinese communist regime’s persecution of kind people, including Falun Gong practitioners,” he then reiterated: “I particularly feel that I see hope for China’s future [in Shen Yun].”

Mr. Wu also relayed his earlier conversation with another audience member: “A Korean who sat next to me told me that it was very rare for him to see a Chinese show. After seeing the show, he said in his not-so-fluent Chinese, 'Good! Good! Good! I was deeply moved.'”

Summarizing his thoughts on the performance, Mr. Wu said: “This artistic show is very elegant, with strong cultural flavor. I think such a great show will, of course, attract many well-known figures in the cultural and artistic circles, as good things are always appealing. But it’s rare to see this kind of good show.”

Korean film star: Shen Yun is “the pinnacle of the performing arts”

Famous Korean actor Yoon Donghwan, with starring roles in a variety of popular movies and TV series, was also in the audience on Saturday evening.

Actor Yoon Donghwan (courtesy of The Epoch Times)

Impressed with the high level of skill of Shen Yun performers, he said after the show: “The dancers’ excellent performances are the pinnacle of the performing arts, which has inspired me, as an actor, to work harder.”

Mr. Yoon was also taken with the unique and thrilling use of props in Shen Yun dances. “I think the rendering of the snowflakes in the dance Snowflakes Welcoming Spring is very innovative,” he shared, referring to a dance he found particularly memorable.

“Chinese traditional dance can inspire people to be concerned about traditional Chinese culture. It is very rare to see this kind of performance on the modern stage,” noted Mr. Yoon.

“I want to tell everybody that Shen Yun is wonderful and worth seeing, as its dances are very creative and exquisite,” added the actor.


Ironman Asia champion: “I will recommend my family and friends to see the show”

Another celebrity audience member, Ironman Asia champion Bak Byeong-Hun, was deeply impressed by the performance of the male dancers.

Ironman Asia champion Bak Byeong-Hun (courtesy of The Epoch Times)

“They performed the most exquisitely in every aspect. Their movements are very flexible. Even an athlete would have to go through a long hard training process to be able to do that,” he said at the intermission. “If I were a professional artist and could stand among them and be one of them, I would feel so honored! Shen Yun’s production is the best!”

“It’s fantastic!” enthused Mr. Bak. “I see China from Shen Yun, and the traditional culture of minorities.”

“In a very short time-span, the show presents the whole Chinese history,” he added, highlighting a dance story set in present-day China “that tells the story of how Falun Gong practitioners peacefully protest the persecution against them.”

“I will recommend my family and friends to see the show,” said Mr. Bak.

After learning that Shen Yun is not allowed to perform in China, he stated: “It’s a shame that Falun Gong is persecuted in China. I hope Shen Yun can go to China soon.”


Confucius’ descendant: “It was indeed amazing and remarkable”

Mr. Gong Hwan Yong, the 77th-generation descendant of Confucius and board director of a Korean educational association, was enthralled with the expressiveness of the dancers and the dynamic, animated backdrops that transported the audience into spectacular, distant lands far beyond the stage.

Gong Hwan Yong, descendant of Confucius (courtesy of The Epoch Times)

“I was very much surprised,” said Mr. Gong. “What impressed me most were the backdrops, because what we see in local shows is usually very plain, but Shen Yun’s backdrops are really spectacular. I was really amazed. They are indeed gorgeous.”

Giving an example of the dance story How the Monkey King Came to Be, in which the Monkey King appears to descend from a heavenly scene in the backdrop onto the stage, he said: “I have never seen such a scene. It was indeed amazing and remarkable.”

Mr. Gong also saw profound educational value in the performance, enriching people's understanding of traditional Chinese culture and China's history from ancient times to the present day. As a former high school principal, he said he wished more students could see this wonderful show that brought to the forefront the values of great compassion and true beauty.

“All of the dances were marvelous,” concluded Mr. Gong. “I will definitely invite others to see the show” when Shen Yun returns to South Korea next year, he added.

Sources:
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/shen-yun-on-tour/ironman-asia-champion-shen-yuns-production-is-the-best-201669.html
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/shen-yun-on-tour/famous-korean-film-star-shen-yun-inspires-me-to-work-harder-200549.html