(Minghui.org) From February 26 to March 3, 2024, Shen Yun’s eight touring companies presented 39 performances in eleven cities in the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Australia, and the United States.
Shen Yun New Era Company at the Palais des Congrès de Paris in Paris, France, on the afternoon of March 2. The company presented seven performances in Paris February 27–March 2. Tickets for these performances were sold out in January. (The Epoch Times)
Shen Yun Global Company at the Jahrhunderthalle Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany, on February 28. The company presented five performances in Frankfurt February 28–March 2, all to packed theaters. (The Epoch Times)
Shen Yun World Company at the Prague Congress Center in Prague, Czech Republic, on the afternoon of March 2. The company presented five performances at the Prague Congress Center March 1–4, all to packed houses. (The Epoch Times)
Shen Yun New York Company at a sold-out house at the Ulumbarra Theatre in Bendigo, Australia, on March 3. The company presented four performances in Bendigo March 1–3, all to packed theaters. (The Epoch Times)
Shen Yun Touring Company at a packed theater at the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts in Boise, Idaho, on the evening of March 2. The company presented three performances in Boise March 2–3. (The Epoch Times)
Congressman: “A Combination of Art and History Told in a Wonderful Way”
Congressman Russ Fulcher at Shen Yun’s evening performance in Boise, Idaho, on March 2 (The Epoch Times)
Congressman Russ Fulcher from Idaho saw Shen Yun’s evening performance in Boise, Idaho, on March 2.
“It’s a combination of art and history told in a wonderful way. I’m very appreciative for the opportunity to [see the performance,]” Mr. Fulcher said.
“One of the things that was interesting was that [Shen Yun] had a wonderful portrayal of history—not just the bad but the good as well. I think it was very well done.
“I think most of the time, those of us in America tend to look at China as a non-spiritual nation, but in reality, it’s very spiritual. [Shen Yun’s] portrayal displayed that very well.
“It’s very important for Americans to see this part of China because the vision and the understanding of what we have of China today has very little, if anything, to do with its history.
“It’s a good connection. I’m very thankful to be a part of it,” he said.
Referring to Shen Yun’s mission to bring back traditional culture, Mr. Fulcher said, “It’s very important,” and we should “do what we can to keep proliferating this message around the country.”
The artists are “fabulous. They are not just artists, but athletes. Very skillful,” he stated.
“The artistry of the music was also very good. That’s something that we don’t see very much, at least in these days, in America. It was very good,” he said.
Nevada Lieutenant Governor: “An Absolutely Magnificent Production”
Shen Yun North America Company at a sold-out house at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 29. (The Epoch Times)
The company presented five performances in Las Vegas February 29–March 3. Prior to the performances, the company received congratulatory remarks from Governor Joe Lombardo, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, and Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman.
Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony of Nevada at the Shen Yun performance in Las Vegas on February 29. He also presented a Certificate of Recognition to the performing arts company. (NTD Television)
Certificate of Recognition from Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony
Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony of Nevada saw Shen Yun in Las Vegas on February 29. During his visit, he also presented a Certificate of Recognition to welcome and commend the performers for their “artistic accomplishments and cultural contributions throughout the world.”
“This is an absolutely magnificent production... This is one of the best productions I’ve ever seen,” Lt. Gov. Anthony said of the performance.
“Every single [program] was just wonderful. The dancing was so athletic and graceful, the colors—it’s really a tribute to the country of China to be able to bring their history and their culture and traditions here to the state of Nevada, and the city of Las Vegas,” he said.
He thought it was obvious that the crowd loved the show because “they couldn’t stop clapping the entire time.”
“The gracefulness of the dancers—the way they move around the stage, jump, turn their arms and legs, and tumble—I didn’t see one flaw in any of the [programs.] It was absolutely flawless,” he said.
Lt. Gov. Anthony thought the incorporation of the divine in the show was wonderful because “heaven is important to every single person.”
The message he would be taking home with him was that “We have to understand that we all come from heaven, and we came down to earth. We do the best we can—there may be some flaws, but we have to sacrifice to make sure we become better people.”
He would like to thank Shen Yun performers for “coming to the city of Las Vegas and the great state of Nevada to share their athleticism, their grace, and their singing.
“It’s just wonderful that they bring [the show] to our residence here in Las Vegas so we can enjoy it. You have to come,” he said.
“I know the production comes back every year, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You have to come down to see this. You’re not going to see this any place else,” he said.
Member of European Parliament: “The Entire Audience Was Enchanted”
Michael Gahler, Member of the European Parliament, at the Shen Yun performance in Frankfurt, Germany, on March 2 (NTD Television)
Michael Gahler, Member of the European Parliament, saw Shen Yun in Frankfurt, Germany, on March 2.
“Not only me, I feel in that full theater, the entire audience was enchanted,” Mr. Gahler said.
“Shen Yun presented the diversity of Chinese culture, the many ethnic groups that live in China, as well as their traditions. The delightful, gorgeous colors on stage as well as the dancers’ outstanding artistic expression were truly breathtaking,” he said.
Member of German State Parliament: “All-round Perfect”
Dirk Bamberger, member of the Hessian State Parliament, at the Shen Yun performance in Frankfurt on February 29 (NTD Television)
Dirk Bamberger, member of the Hessian State Parliament, saw Shen Yun in Frankfurt on February 29.
“I found the performance very, very interesting and very touching,” said Mr. Bamberger.
“So an all-round perfect and successful show with a very impressive message... in a world-class format,” he said.
“I was particularly touched by the story of Falun Dafa,” he said of the piece portraying the ongoing persecution.
Mr. Bamberger also praised the company’s commitment to preserving traditional Chinese culture.
Brisbane City Councilor: “Powerful” and “Loving”
Brisbane City Councilwoman Sarah Hutton at the Shen Yun performance in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, on February 26 (NTD Television)
Brisbane City Councilwoman Sarah Hutton saw Shen Yun in Brisbane, Australia, on February 26.
“It has been a really powerful performance, not just about dance and sharing traditional Chinese culture, but the storytelling behind it... It gives me goosebumps. It was wonderful,” she said.
“China has such a rich history, and it’s so nice to be able to see that done in such a performance,” she added.
Regarding the piece portraying the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong, Mrs. Hutton thought Shen Yun delivered a very important and powerful message regarding the persecution.
“I think a lot of people don’t understand what currently goes on, and I think it was really great of the narrations to be able to share that message... We are in 2024, and a lot of this is swept under the carpet, and not many people are very courageous about talking about it,” she said.
“It’s tragic... but I think having [it] on the stage there tonight, I think it will provoke many discussions with people in the audience... So it’s a very good way to send the message, while also sharing the great, rich tradition of Chinese history.
“The powerful story behind the Falun Gong tradition... It gives us hope... It’s more than just a way of life. It’s believing that there are higher beings and that there is a future, there is hope.
“I think the way of life, the way of sharing and enriching people’s lives as a community... how they work together... [was] a very strong theme throughout... It’s very connected and very beautiful.” Mrs. Hutton said.
Brisbane City Councilman Charles Strunk at the Shen Yun performance in Brisbane on February 26 (NTD Television)
“It’s just an absolute honor and a pleasure to... see this great dance troupe all the way from New York, here in good old Brisbane, having a great show,” he said.
“It’s just spectacular, as I knew it would be because of all the advertising that [was] done prior to the show... and every bit of that advertising has come to fruition... And I’m just so privileged to be able to come to the opening night.
“It’s just a very great experience, a loving experience... And it’s always just good to be able to experience that through dance,” he said.
As a councilor, Mr. Strunk said he tried to immerse himself in other cultures.
“It’s important that we try to understand as much of that culture from the people that have actually now called Australia home... and [it] just makes us a better person... a more informed person,” he said.
Victorian Member of Parliament: “Really Well Done”
Victorian MP Renee Heath (right) and her sister Anita Heath (left) at the Shen Yun performance in Bendigo, Australia, on March 3 (The Epoch Times)
Victorian MP (Member of Parliament) Renee Heath and her sister Anita saw Shen Yun in Bendigo, Australia, on March 3.
As an MP for the Eastern Victoria Region, she was amazed by the beauty of the costumes and dances, she found the stories presented by Shen Yun inspiring, especially the piece about the persecution of Falun Gong.
“That was amazing and really well done,” she said.
As a person who strongly supports freedom of belief, Dr. Heath said that the Australian people need to be careful not to allow the same thing to happen here.
“We have to always fight for that freedom and democracy,” she said, noting that it would be impossible for people to be treated well if they did not have freedom of belief.
Dr. Heath’s sister, Anita Heath, an ANZ banker, agreed as she found it horrific to learn that the persecution of Falun Gong was still happening in modern-day China.
At the same time, Dr. Heath expressed her love for the way that Shen Yun depicted rich stories from the 5,000 years of Chinese history and culture.
“I think I like all of it and I like how it all works together and how there’s some very comical stuff and thought-provoking things... I just love the beauty of all the backgrounds and the costumes. It’s really lovely,” she said.
Award-winning Filmmaker: “We Need This Kind of Production”
Award-winning filmmaker Anita Barar (left) at the Shen Yun performance in Bendigo on March 3 (NTD Television)
“Huge congratulations and my virtual hug to everyone. Please continue doing it. Wonderful job. We need this kind of production,” Ms. Barar said.
“Absolute reminder that never forget where you come from, what you believe, and the power of compassion, love, giving. It never fails you. It’s always rewarding,” she said.
Czech Audiences: “Artistic Enjoyment”
Jiří Káš, CEO of an advertising company, and his wife Zuzana at the Shen Yun performance in Prague, Czech Republic, on March 2 (The Epoch Times)
“We very much appreciate the beautiful experience and artistic enjoyment that they brought us,” Mr. Káš said.
“Shen Yun was produced and completed in New York. This surprised me. In China, people don’t even have the opportunity to see this performance. But I think the way Shen Yun presents to the whole world is very meaningful,” he said.
Zdeněk Schindler, co-founder of a metal engineering company, and his wife Marcela Schindlerová at the Shen Yun performance in Prague on March 3 (The Epoch Times)
Zdeněk Schindler, co-founder of a metal engineering company, and his wife Marcela Schindlerová saw Shen Yun in Prague on March 3.
“Everything was so perfect! From creativity to performance, perfect,” Mr. Schindler said.
Parisian Theatergoers: “This Is an Extraordinary Production”
Former judge Bernard Archenault-Donzé and his wife at the Shen Yun performance in Paris on March 1 (NTD Television)
“Extraordinary. Extremely excellent. This is an extraordinary production. The clothing from past generations, the stage display, the overall skills of the performers, the stage effects – obviously, Shen Yun has created a masterpiece,” Mr. Archenault-Donzé said.
“The China presented by Shen Yun is the future of the entire humankind. This is so extraordinary. The Middle Kingdom displayed by Shen Yun is the ultimate world, the future world.
“The performance led us to the new future. It’s truly wonderful, great,” he said.
Genevieve Ravinale, author and educator of philosophy and literature, at the Shen Yun performance in Paris on February 29 (Minghui.org)
Genevieve Ravinale, an author and an educator of philosophy and literature, saw Shen Yun in Paris on February 29.
“It’s very important to be able to see a performance like this. Wonderful, extremely beautiful,” Ms. Ravinale said.
“Superb skills. They were dancing with soul and delivering messages to the audience. Costumes and colors, everything was so beautiful. It was like being in a dream,” she said.
S.T., a career counselor at an international organization, at the Shen Yun performance in Paris on March 2 (Minghui.org)
S.T., a career counselor at an international organization, saw Shen Yun in Paris on March 2.
“So beautiful. A feast for the eyes. Rich colors. It showed the long history as well as humanity. Left a deep impression on me. The dancers not only demonstrated their skills and professionalism, but also their humanity and inner beauty. At the same time, they also delivered very deep messages, displaying China’s ancient history as well as the current situation,” she said.
“I could also feel the divinity that is beyond us humans that they delivered... Most importantly, the beautiful and positive qualities in the universe as well as human nature will triumph,” she said.
She planned on encouraging her Chinese coworkers: “You have to come see Shen Yun. You will gain a completely different understanding of China and Chinese culture and characteristics. It allows you to see that there’s not only what the mainstream is promoting, but that we also have other choices.”
Actor and singer Alexandre Blin at the Shen Yun performance in Paris on March 2 (Minghui.org)
“Shen Yun is very charming. The synchronization, uniformity, and mastery of rhythm of all the dancers were very impressive,” Mr. Blin said.
“They’re professional, well-trained artists. Their dancing was precise and beautiful. So were the colors of the costumes. Truly stunning.
“Shen Yun is a one-of-a-kind, first-class performance. It created resonance between the audience and the dancers, and told traditions and the cherishing of love amongst people. It allowed me to realize that we must return to love, believe in the existence of beings greater than ourselves, believe in people, and work hard to make humankind better.
“Yes, it truly touched my heart. I was moved to tears. Both my body and mind were awestruck,” he said.
Shen Yun Is a Trend in France
In France, seeing Shen Yun has become a trend. By Christmas of last year, the performances in a number of cities were already almost sold out. Shen Yun New Era Company presented seven performances to full houses at the Palais des Congrès de Paris February 27–March 2. Many audience members expressed after the performance that they had been waiting to see Shen Yun for years. A number of audience members traveled to the theaters by train from other cities. Some even flew in from other countries.
Tang Hanlong from Shen Yun’s presenter in France (Minghui.org)
Tang Hanlong from Shen Yun’s presenter in France stated, “Shen Yun’s superb artistry has impressed the audiences, so they have also been convinced by the messages delivered by Shen Yun. This is Shen Yun’s ability. Shen Yun’s performance is incomparable. The audience sees that it’s positive and just want to see it, so they spread the word and share with their family and friends. Shen Yun has already become a sensation in France.”
Mr. Tang said that compared to performing in six cities last year, this year, Shen Yun will be performing in ten cities. He said, “The number of audience members increases each year. There were about 100,000 audience members last year. This year, the estimate is 150,000 audience members. Tickets for multiple cities were already sold out before last Christmas.”
“From the beginning of last November to Christmas, there was an average of over a thousand tickets sold per day. On peak days, there would be over two thousand tickets sold a day. So we will be inviting Shen Yun to perform at the big theaters in more French cities next year,” he said.
For more information about performance times, locations, and tickets, please visit www.shenyun.com.
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