County Commissioner: Shen Yun is Exactly What We Needed in This Pandemic

Some people might feel uncomfortable coming out to see a grand performance during this pandemic. But the audience of the classical Chinese dance performance Shen Yun says it’s exactly what they needed–especially during this pandemic.

"I think you should take us all over the country and the world. It's to be seen by everybody," said Douglas Beck, business development director at The Wilson Group.

Throughout the week, Shen Yun continued to perform in various cities around the world, touching the hearts of people from all walks of life.

"It was absolutely beautiful. We loved every minute of it," said John Wilkins, a former professor at Colorado State University.

"It's so vivid, so alive, so, so beautifully done. I am just absolutely enthralled with everyone," said County Commissioner Perry Buck. "I'm honored to be here."

Shen Yun features all-original compositions with a unique mix of classical Eastern and Western instruments.

"Orchestra sounded amazing," said Marylène Gingras-Roy, the acting assistant principal viola from the Pittsburgh Orchestra.

"The music was dreamlike, the live orchestra was incredible, and the singers were fantastic. I loved everything," said Natalie Derndorfer, a finance executive who saw Shen Yun in Salzburg, Austria.

“It was a rare experience. Touching, heartfelt. Very engaging and a glimpse into another culture that was really great," said Maximiliane Buchner, an art historian from Austria.

"I thought the music was extremely nice and soothing," said Mark Gordon, an economic development executive from Butler County, Pennsylvania. "The dance was very graceful. I think it was very reflective of Chinese culture."

"Just felt so serene, and I like the word 'divine,'" said Kathy Ryan, a physician who saw the show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In ancient China, music was a way to ascend spiritually. Refining one’s character and seeking harmony with heaven was a natural part of the artistic process.

Shen Yun artists partake in this process, striving to create music that carries pure energy and brings a sense of wellbeing to the audience.

Audience members said the performances give them hope, especially nowadays.

"The two-string[ed instrument], oh yes that was magnificent. Yes, I felt it in my heart, I felt it in my being direct from the instrument into my soul," said Greg Hanebuth, a business developer.

His date, who came from Texas especially to see the performance, agreed. "You feel the music in your soul and I think it absolutely can heal," said Brandi Tyler, a business owner.

"I felt that by the end it related to me and my life and my struggles ... and there's hope and there's joy and there's unity," Hanebuth added.

"[The performance] was very moving. I learned a lot from the show that I will take with me into my life—to be patient, to be sensible, to appreciate life, and to realize that I'm going back to my roots," said Derndorfer.

"Very, very emotional, very spiritual. And you come away from it with a very wonderful feeling, a lot about the hope of the future, I think," said John Wilkins.

"To me, I'm getting more of the message of love, love, and love for each other and help each other in times of need and respect each other for the values and what they stand for," said County Commissioner Perry Buck.

"Especially in this pandemic, this is exactly what we needed," she added.

"Anything like this is very helpful in bringing people back to a normal way of living," said Wilkins.