(Clearwisdom.net) Former San Jose Council Member Forrest Williams addressed the VIP reception at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts following the opening performance of the Shen Yun Performing Arts Spring Tour 2009 on Friday night, May 15.

Forrest Williams, former San Jose councilman

"I'd like to thank everyone for being here. This is sort of a dream fulfilled. When I was on the Council, I was the liaison for the Arts Commission, and it was my job to secure art." Mr. Williams said.

When he saw Shen Yun he immediately knew he wanted to bring the highly acclaimed show to his city. "Because we are the largest city in the area, and we're growing; we're over a million people now and we're going to continue to grow," he explained. "And all of the diversity required that the arts needs here in the city should be fulfilled."

Mr. Williams dedicated himself to arranging everything, including finding the venue for the performance. "So we have it [Shen Yun] here and we're very pleased and the performances were outstanding, I loved everything ... it's just the grace," he said, "its like floating on air."

The crowd laughed and he went on to say he thought he was swimming when he watched the "Nymphs of the Sea" water scene, it was just so dramatic. "All of the artists put themselves into it and delivered a great performance, so I'm looking forward to you coming again, and good luck!"

Also at the VIP reception following the Opening Night performance, was the Vice Mayor of the City of Milpitas, Pete McHugh, who said, "Thank you" to Shen Yun for their "excellent, informative and beautiful presentation."

Vice Mayor Pete McHugh of the City of Milpitas

"I think the dancers and the costumes were beautiful. I was also impressed by the backdrops, especially the 3D effect."

Commenting on the piece "Nymphs of the Sea," Mr. McHugh said, "I think the water fairy was unbelievably beautiful. The way you simulate water and the effect on the screen ... that was well done.

"I was somewhat surprised--surprised is a good word, by the reference to Falun Dafa and how well that was conveyed in dances. It was very, very well done. I was really impressed ... beautiful!

Mr. McHugh was moved by the show, "It portrayed the beauty of mother China ... as I learned a while ago, a favorite phrase of mine is Wo Ai Zhong Guo [I love China.] The people, the scenery ... it's beautiful!"

"And I am here with a tentative permission of Mr. Williams [former San Jose Councilmember], because I come from another city. I am here to represent the people of Milpitas and I'd like to present a Proclamation to you, recognizing your beautiful presentation."

Irwin, an engineer, and his wife Reletta, joined a highly appreciative audience in welcoming the show to northern California's largest city. They said that they were excited by the show, "We really think this is a great performance. One of the comments we had is that the pieces are short and very lively, ideal for an audience that's not Chinese--meaning that I'm not Chinese."

The couple added that they had a deeper appreciation for the dance performances because their daughters had danced for years.

Irwin's wife Reletta, who works in finance, described the show as "very nice ... it's traditional, but more modern. We are really glad to have come. It's very well choreographed ... very professional."

Source: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/16884/
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