(Minghui.org) The highly acclaimed Shen Yun Performing Arts delighted audiences during two shows at the Prague Congress Center, in the Czech Republic, on April 2-3, 2013. Many government VIPs attended the event, including former prime minister Jirí Paroubek.
Editor-in-Chief Blown Away by Shen Yun
Editor-in-chief of the Czech tabloid Blesk, Pavel Šafr (Photo courtesy of NTD Television)
Pavel Šafr, editor-in-chief of the leading Czech tabloid, Blesk, said he has “an exceptionally good impression [of Shen Yun].”
On the topic of freedom and human rights, he explained, “In our country, we often forget that the People's Republic of China is not a free country. And the lack of freedom is something that blocks spiritual growth.”
Shen Yun cannot be seen in China today, where traditional culture has been nearly lost. Since the communist regime’s 60-year reign has destroyed Chinese culture, Shen Yun seeks to revive the true, divinely inspired culture of China and share it with the world.
“That is why I think that this show is extremely important,” Mr. Šafr said. “And I am indeed glad that I could see it.”
The editor-in-chief used words such as “whimsical” and “playful” to describe Shen Yun’s unique mix of ethnic dances.
“I was simply blown away,” he added.
Addressing the spiritual aspect of Shen Yun, Mr. Šafr said, “It is fascinating. And considering the aspect of spirituality or ideas, it suits me completely. I simply think that China is governed by red devils!”
Mr. Šafr found it distressing that Shen Yun was not able to perform in China, yet he was hopeful that the situation would change.
“You know, it is even terrifying that something so beautiful is not allowed to take place in … China,” he said. “And this is what touches me personally.”
“[However], I believe that it will not be this way forever,” he added.
Former Prime Minister Says He Will See Shen Yun Again
Former prime minister of the Czech Republic, Jirí Paroubek
Also enjoying the show was Jirí Paroubek, former prime minister of the Czech Republic.
Mr. Paroubek said that from the many good things that he heard about Shen Yun, his “expectations about the show … were met.” He added, “I am glad I came, and I will definitely come again.”
He noted that Shen Yun had helped him realize “how great Chinese history really is,” referring to its ancient origins.
“It is good to sometimes remind ourselves of [China's] 5,000-year-old history,” Mr. Paroubek said.
Shen Yun's Message of Freedom “Extremely Important”
Karel Janecek
Another audience member, Karel Janecek, said he especially appreciated the Shen Yun’s dancers' leaps, flips, and tumbling techniques. “That appeals to me,” he said.
“Chinese dance is at the heart of what Shen Yun does. Known for its incredible flips and spins, and its gentle elegance, it is one of the most rigorous and expressive art forms in the world,” the website states.
Regarding the message of freedom echoed in the show, he said “it is extremely important, not only for China, but also for all of us.”
He noted that Shen Yun evoked memories from when he was a child, and first became acquainted with traditional Chinese culture.
“The performance reminded me of the Monkey King,” he said. “As a child, I loved the book [the classical Chinese novel], 'Journey to the West,' and read it many times.”
Mr. Janecek feels that Shen Yun has an inner message to impart. “This show tries to convey a message for the people—a message about important things,” he said.
Source: NTDTV.org
Category: Shen Yun Performing Arts
