Shen Yun Performing Arts Enthusiastically Received in Kitchener-Waterloo (Photos)
(Clearwisdom.net) Following evening shows marked by full houses, standing ovations, and multiple curtain calls, Shen Yun Performing Arts bid farewell to a sold-out audience at Centre in the Square on Friday night.
Audience enjoying the last performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts at Centre In The Square in Kitchener-Waterloo on Jan. 8, 2010.
Throughout its three-show run in Kitchener-Waterloo, enthusiastic viewers praised every aspect of the acclaimed classical Chinese dance and music production, from its emcees, artists, costumes, choreography, backdrops, and orchestra, to the uplifting, educational, and inspiring content of the program.
Dr. Ken Coates, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at University of Waterloo, was among the many dignitaries who sent warm congratulatory letters to the show, along with Prime Minister Stephen Harper; Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney; and area MPs Stephen Woodworth of Kitchener Centre, Gary Goodyear of Cambridge, and Frank Valeriote of Guelph.
"[Shen Yun] reminds you how deep and how rich the performing arts are within Chinese culture," Dr. Coates said, adding that it is a "very, very gentle show" that "makes me feel so peaceful. I just feel tranquil."
Dr. Coates expressed his amazement upon hearing the Shen Yun Orchestra. "Perhaps the most exciting part is the actual blending of the music, which is so lovely, but also the artistry, the dance, the movement, and the colours. The colours are so vibrant, the music is so vital . . . just terrific!"
Because Cambridge City Councillor Ben Tucci was so inspired after seeing Shen Yun last year, he changed his schedule to attend the Wednesday opening night. He said he did not want to miss it this year. He said the show gives "a message of harmony."
"You leave the show with a very good feeling, a warm heart. ... If you were able to find a way to package the show into a formula and send it to the world leaders, we would have a better world."
Mr. Tucci said he hopes Cambridge will have a facility in the future so that Shen Yun can perform there.
Moved by the Spirituality
"Phenomenal!" exclaimed Mr. Bauer, who along with his wife co-owns a business built on innovative technology that he designed.
"I thought it was fantastic, the costumes were amazing, the [jumps and flips] are phenomenal. It takes a lot of training, coordination, and it was just amazing," said Mrs. Bauer.
The couple commended Shen Yun's efforts to revive traditional Chinese culture. "Culture always overrides communism, and the truth always prevails," Mr. Bauer said.
Mr. Paupst, CEO of a manufacturing company, was moved by the spirituality he felt in the performances. "I think the emotional part is one of peacefulness, spirituality, the seeking of a new way that is a non-violent way," he said. "There is a certain calm spiritual [aspect] at the conscious and sub-conscious levels."
Audience enjoying the performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts in the Centre In The Square theatre in Kitchener-Waterloo
Film producer Peter Starr, co-producer of the film "Amal" that was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, said he was deeply impressed by Shen Yun. "I enjoyed it a lot. I thought the performances were outstanding. I think it's terrific, really well done."
Member of Parliament Harold Albrecht of Kitchener-Conestoga was among many audience members who highly praised the show.
Mr. Albrecht said he identified with the themes of faith and of the triumph of good over evil. One of Shen Yun's features is story-based dances inspired by the Chinese people's traditional devotion to virtues and spiritual quest, such as a piece depicting the courage of the practitioners of Falun Gong being persecuted by the Chinese communist regime.
Ms. Fisk, president and CEO of a prominent business organization, has previously worked in the fashion industry and was amazed by the detail, colours, and variety of the costumes.
"Every time you went to look at the next dance, you would notice there was such remarkable change in the costumes--there was nothing that overlapped."
Photographer Ms. Mayr shared that she was profoundly moved by the performances, adding that the music imparted a soothing feeling. "You feel really relaxed--you feel just like you're taken to another level. It's just very calm and comfortable--it seems to be stress relieving. You sit down and it takes you almost to another reality. It's very imaginative, it's very enlightening, it's very beautiful."
Educators Praise Educational Aspects
"I liked everything, and I liked the educational aspect of it," said Mike Ramsay, Chair of the Waterloo Region District School Board. "It taught me a lot about the culture," he said.
School board trustee Mr. Hendry said that seeing Shen Yun, "would be an amazing opportunity" for students. "I am sure they would enjoy it."
Elementary school teachers Susan Dupuis and Ms. Dunbar described the show as "amazing," "wonderful," and "beautiful."
Guelph City Councillor and landscape architect Mike Salisbury were impressed by the "very dynamic" and "very exciting" performances.