Riverdance Producer John McColgan: Shen Yun’s ‘Standard of the performers was terrific’

DUBLIN—“The dance is very elegant and very athletic, very skilled … it’s a pleasure to watch,” said Mr. John McColgan, who attended the final of three Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company performances at The Convention Centre in Dublin on Sunday, March 27.

Mr. McColgan is a founding director of Tyrone Productions, an independent television production company, and chairman of Today FM radio station. He is perhaps best known for his key role in the evolution of Riverdance. In recognition of his services to the arts and entertainment industry, Mr. McColgan received an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the National University of Ireland in 2003.

Hollywood PR Company President comments on Shen Yun: ‘The whole production is absolutely amazing!’

By Lance Jackson, Epoch Times Staff, July 9, 2010 –

Ron Scott, president of Hollywood PR. (The Epoch Times)

LOS ANGELES— Shen Yun Performing Arts’ opening night at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion swept the audience back through 5,000 years of Chinese history and culture, through classical Chinese dance, a live orchestra, ancient myths, and modern technology.

In the audience was Ron Scott, president of Hollywood PR, who attended with some friends.

“Oh, it’s amazing—it gave me chills. It was heartwarming. It’s so much talent!” he said after the show. “I had no idea it would be such an enormous production.”

“I’ve never seen anything like this before—I go to a lot of theater. … The whole production is absolutely amazing!”

“The culture is so beautiful … I’ve never seen any traditional Chinese dance performances, so it was definitely something new for me and very inspiring,” said Mr. Scott.

“It definitely leaves with something good to take home. … It’s very unique.”

“I love the dedication,” he added. “The work this must have been, what [the dancers] had to go through to do the show, I can’t imagine the discipline. And the big screen, the set, just to project that. I’ve never seen that either.”

As well as showcasing classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun performers include singers and solo musicians. Audiences frequently comment on powerful emotion conveyed by the two-stringed Chinese erhu, and Mr. Scott agreed.

“I really enjoyed the two-stringed instrument. … I felt so sad the curtain was going [down] on her last bow. No, stay, I want to clap longer! … You could really feel the emotion behind it.”…… (more details from The Epochtimes)

MMPA President Reviews the Shen Yun Show: “this is the ultimate”

Epoch Times Staff, July 9, 2010 –

Jarvee Hutcherson, president of Multicultural Motion Picture Association (MMPA.) (The Epoch Times)

LOS ANGELES— Jarvee Hutcherson, president of Multicultural Motion Picture Association (MMPA), left Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Thursday, July 8, with a full heart.

“I thought the show was very moving, very touching. I found that at moments it was emotional, and at moments it was very exciting.

“The fact that it was Chinese was very, very heart wrenching to me, it brought tears to my eyes.

”It was so synchronized, I’ve never seen something so tightly done. And everyone, I think this is all over the world, something that everybody should experience, and I was very moved by that.”

As the president of the MMPA, Mr. Hutcherson said he appreciated the show’s effort to share traditional Chinese culture.

“Through my 20 years as the president of the organization, I really have learned so much about various cultural backgrounds all over the world, and that’s one of the reasons why I’m here tonight, and I really am impressed. But I understand that there’s issues over in China that are not received so well, not accepted so well, but I hope that this day will come, that this will pass and this will be more united in more support of that. Because they’re missing out! And I hope that one day this can open up to their country and allow them in.”

He said a fan dance in the second half left him transported to another realm.

“I felt like I was in heaven! I felt like something came up, it left a feeling, like we were on a cloud, and I really felt it, very moved by that. It brought tears to my eyes, so I think that was a very touching moment for me—a touching moment for everyone in the audience.”

“I certainly hope that so many of the Chinese come out in support because it’s certainly a wonderful experience for any and everyone to be a part of … especially young people need to see this, because I think they really could identify with certain things of it.”

When asked if he had been to a Chinese performance before, Mr. Hutcherson said: “I’ve been to some productions, but not on this level—I think this is the ultimate, tonight. The choreographers and producers of this show, I really applaud them. And I applaud the dancers, I understand they come from all over. I applaud them. And I was very moved by it tonight.”

He said he would share his excitement with his friends and encourage them to see the show.

“They’ll leave here with a whole new feeling, like I felt tonight.”

After saying the show was educational, Mr. Hutcherson took a moment to focus on the singing which he described as “touching.”

“I had never seen singers of that multitude, especially from the Chinese community. I was totally impressed, I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh!’, you’d never know! I think it’s so important that people should reach out to definitely see this.”

He said Shen Yun confirmed his belief that even if people are form different countries or backgrounds, or have different ideals, they must open up their horizons to new experiences.

“Sometimes we get in our own circle, and that’s where we stay. It’s so good to open up and share and be a part of everything. And that’s why I’m glad that I’m here tonight.”

Mr. Hutcherson has served as president of the MMPA for 19 years. The organization has 1600 members and holds an annual awards ceremony to recognize outstanding and inspiring individuals that have contributed to diverse perspectives in film and television. The organization works to raise awareness about the need for expanded and more realistic roles in the entertainment industry for people of various cultural backgrounds.

Over the years Cuba Gooding Jr., Sandra Bullock, Sinbad, Denzel Washington, Cheech Marin, Lou Diamond Phillips, Eddy Murphy and Will Smith have ranked among the honorees and presenters at the awards.

– The Epochtimes

The hidden hand of the Chinese Communist Party in Hong Kong

By J. Michael Cole, STAFF REPORTER, The Taipei Times, Taiwan –

Ever since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was founded in 1921, Hong Kong has consistently been regarded as a threat and opportunity by party leaders. First as a British colony until retrocession in 1997 and then as part of the “one country, two systems,” the CCP views the territory as a potential springboard from which foreign powers could undermine the authorities on the mainland.

Simultaneously, Hong Kong was the main platform where both the British and Chinese governments could conduct dialogue and, as 1997 approached, a source of much-needed capital and an instrument to test special administrative rule.

This, and much more, is the focus of former Hong Kong legislator Christine Loh’s (陸恭蕙) fascinating Underground Front. The amount of information contained in her well-researched book makes it an extremely useful tool to understand the CCP’s policies in Hong Kong.

Loh walks us through what she sees as the six main phases of CCP relations with Hong Kong: early Marxism in Hong Kong; the early years of CCP rule in China; the Cultural Revolution; the Deng Xiaoping (鄧小平) era; the post-Tiananmen Square Massacre era; and the first decade after retrocession.

Throughout this time — and even after Hong Kong became a special administrative region — we see the CCP acting as if it were a criminal organization forced to remain underground. Part of this, we learn, is the result of Maoism’s lack of mass appeal in Hong Kong, which since the Treaty of Nanjing in 1842 had been ideologically shaped by the British.

Though the seeds of leftist thought were sown in Hong Kong, mostly via trade unions, Beijing was forced to show restraint lest its actions provoke a strong response from London. The exile of more than 1 million Chinese to Hong Kong — including supporters of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), industrialists, and ordinary Chinese who had grown tired of political repression — also created a population stratum that was unreceptive to Maoism.

Lord Mayor of Cardiff Calls Shen Yun ‘Out of this world’

CARDIFF, United Kingdom— The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Brian Griffiths, called Shen Yun “out of this world” on Tuesday April 27.

After watching the New York-based performing arts company’s debut Welsh performance, the Mayor was impressed: “We thought the show would be good. But it was more than good, it was fantastic.”

Mr Griffiths was particularly taken with the dancers from Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company: “What amazes me is the timing of these dancers with so many on the stage. Every part of that dance is perfectly timed. It is beautiful to watch,” he said. “It’s they way they can move across the stage in such precision. They look as if they’re floating across the stage. It’s beautiful to watch. It is really beautiful.”

The Lord Mayor also said it was good to have classical Chinese dance explained by the hosts Leeshai Lemish and Jing Xie. He said it was very interesting to understand Chinese culture and see a “different type of show in this centre.”

This is the first time Shen Yun has performed at the Wales Millennium Centre. The centre is the most prominent arts venue in Wales and home to the national opera, national orchestra, national dance as well as other literature and theatre companies.

Mr Griffiths had already provided his well wishes prior to the show. He wrote in the programme book that Cardiff has a formal twinning agreement [twin sister city] with the port city of Xiamen in China, and that the Welsh city is proud of its association with China.

Mr Griffiths has worked for the Conservative Party for over 50 years, serving on Cardiff City Council from 1983 to 1996. He became Lord Mayor in 2009.

He said he hoped Shen Yun could return to Cardiff: “Anybody that’s missed this show has missed a beautiful show,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful, wonderful show.”

Shen Yun Performing Arts will perform once more in Cardiff on April 28, and then at Louvain-La Neuve, Belgium, from April 30 to May 11. (The Epochtimes)

Shen Yun “An Eye-Opener”, Says Grammy Award Finalist in Taiwan

TAIPEI, Taiwan—Xiao Qing-Yang, a designer of album-packaging, has been a Grammy Award Finalist three times. For the past three years he has been seeing Shen Yun’s posters while overseas during the Chinese New Year. He thought that the Chinese people in New York and Los Angeles must have really liked to watch Eastern shows to celebrate the Chinese New Year. However, he didn’t expect that he would also see Shen Yun in Taiwan. He felt especially pleased.

After seeing the performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company at the National Taiwan University of Arts on April 25, Mr. Xiao said, “I finally saw the show.”

When seeing the Shen Yun posters in overseas cities, Mr. Xiao thought that the show was only for overseas Chinese people to have some consolation for seeing Chinese dances during the Chinese New Year. He was happy for his friends in those cities to have a great Eastern show for the Chinese New Year. He happily said, “If I have the chance to see it in other cities next time, I must feel intimated.”

“I haven’t seen such an Eastern style of fairies, goddesses, and stories for a long time. I’m so happy to see them today! There are a lot of musicians and dancing artists here. Their abilities and performances were outstanding!” Mr. Xiao said.

He also said that Shen Yun’s artists performed wholeheartedly and it showed that they have worked very hard. “Whenever there was a plot, I had increasing admiration for Shen Yun, because it’s quite delicate in all details. I can tell that they have received very strict training. From my point of view as an artist, I think it needs a lot of time to practice to have such abilities to perform on stage.”

Mr. Xiao was particularly impressed by the dance Handkerchiefs. He said, “There was a program of the dance with handkerchiefs. I first thought that there were special wires designed in the handkerchiefs. Afterwards, I found there was none. The handkerchiefs were flying in the air completely dependent on their superb skills. … It’s an eye-opener.”

Mr. Xiao, born in 1966, said that living in this world, he had felt there were a lot of things that couldn’t be understood or explained. Seeing the Shen Yun performance he said he saw a lot of delicate Eastern culture and the feelings that Eastern people have towards Gods, heaven, and earth. “Actually, I’m kind of feeling the situation that it seems we were also Gods coming to the world. After cultivating something, we are then preparing to go back to heaven.”

He said he felt that seeing such an artistic representation was a great encouragement. “Today I saw such a show, which seemed to remind me of something, like what I come here [to the world] for! Although I haven’t found an exact answer, I am glad to have an opportunity to see such a show.” (The Epochtimes)

‘I have rarely seen a show like this’, Award Winning French Film Director Says of Shen Yun

PARIS— Shen Yun Performing Arts returned once again at the Palais des Congres in Paris, giving audience members a glimpse into the world of traditional Chinese culture.

Award winning French film director and actor Jean-Pierre Mocky had high praises for the show.

“I have rarely seen a show like this,” said Mr. Mocky who has in his long career, as a filmmaker, directed and starred in dozens of films.

Then New York-based Shen Yun brings China’s thousands of years of culture to the stage through music and dance.

“I came to immerse myself in the atmosphere of this show, which is superb,” he continued. “The colors are superb; all the choreography is very beautiful.”

Mr. Mocky noted that the choreography differed greatly from American choreography. “There is a beauty of the image, very beautiful images,” he said.

“I have been making movies with very great French actors for 50 years and I have always been fascinated by China,“ said the film director.

Mr. Mocky said Shen Yun left him with a good feeling. “It is a show which gives an impression of fulfillment, of tranquility. It is very simple and very harmonious.” (The Epochtimes)

Shen Yun “an incredibly colorful show”, Says Stockholm Cultural Representative

STOCKHOLM— “Wonderful music and lots of joy in the dancing,” said Mrs. Berit Svedberg, head of the Cultural Department of the City of Stockholm about Shen Yun. Mrs. Svedberg recommended everyone to go see the show and absorb the ancient culture of China.

Mrs. Svedberg went to see Shen Yun with her daughter Maria on this cold and rather wintery April day. Both were quite moved by the dazzling performance, which was quite a contrast to the grayness of the season in Sweden.

“It’s such an incredibly colorful show—very lively and energetic,” said Mrs. Svedberg, who once vacationed in China “many, many years ago”.

She finds it wonderful that Shen Yun can perform in so many parts of the world and show China’s cultural heritage.

“It’s wonderful to experience such an old, rich cultural heritage! It is really a shame … that they can’t perform in China,” she added.

Mrs. Anneli Hellström, principal of a school in the nearby city of Västerås, also came to see the show with her husband and some friends.

“I liked it very, very much. I think these dancers are just terrific!” said Mrs. Hellström.

Among her favorites were the lantern dance and the Tibetan Dance of Praise.

“It’s so marvelous to see all the dancers on the floor, at the same time. It’s just perfect. And it’s also interesting to learn about Chinese culture.”…… (the Epochtimes)

Shen Yun show review, by City Councilor, Taiwan

TAINAN, Taiwan— Accompanied by his wife and daughter, Tainan City Councilor Lee Weng-Cheng watched the first show of Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company at the Tainan Municipal Culture Center. In an interview after the show, he said, “Watching Shen Yun perform is spiritual joy and an artistic feast.”

Mr. Lee praised the show, saying: “The show was marvelous. All of the programs linked up each other in a well-knit manner. Classical dances and music were integrated with modern lighting and acoustic technology, so well that the show is truly excellent.

“There are many programs in the show illustrating historical stories, which make the audience recollect traditional values, such as loyalty and filial piety, taught in our textbooks. No matter from which angle we examine it, these stories always awaken gigantic echoes and feelings in us,” said Lee in an emotional tone, referring to Shen Yun’s presentation of Chinese legends through dances.

“The dynamic backdrop is unusual. It integrates dances, arts, and music so well and so accurately. I believe prolonged training and continuous refinement must have been done before the dynamic backdrop could work with the performance so seamlessly. This is another delight for the audience. I cherish this opportunity to see a performance, like Shen Yun, in which we are deeply moved by the presentation of arts and stories,” said Mr. Lee.

The lyrics of the solos had profound meaning for Mr. Lee. He said: “I seldom saw such a performance in the past. Through understanding the tenor’s singing, the audience enlightens to truths and facts. The songs they sang have abundant connotations. They are really excellent.

“What moved me the most is the exhibition of the good and the evil of humanity. Falun Gong practitioners do not have freedom of belief in China. Through dances, Falun Gong practitioners won ultimate victory upholding the truth. The artistic presentation greatly affected us,” said Mr. Lee referring to the idea manifested in the show that good and evil have their own rewards.

Lee has been paying continuous attention to human rights issues. He was deeply moved when he saw the scene in which Falun Gong practitioners remained steadfast to their beliefs in spite of the persecution in China. He said: “Freedom of belief is a basic human right. No matter which country is concerned, freedom of belief should not be withheld. The persecution that Falun Gong has been suffering in China needs everyone’s attention. Through the arts, we have a far deeper understanding about these issues.

“I think we should speak up loudly. If we pay more attention and provide more support from Taiwan, a place where freedoms in politics, democracy, and beliefs are secured, we may make freedom and democracy take root in China quickly so that people can freely choose their beliefs,” said Lee. With the power from the general public in Taiwan, he sincerely hopes that people in China can enjoy freedom of belief soon. (The Epochtimes)

Shen Yun Contains All of the Culture, Says Chair of Music Institute in Taiwan

CHAIYI, Taiwan— Jun-Hsien Chang, director of the Department of Music and chair of the Graduate Institute of Music in Chaiyi University, attended the performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company in Chaiyi on the afternoon of March 27.

Mr. Chang believes that New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts is not simply some artistic show, but the content included all of the culture, classical Chinese dance, music and art; a combination of an integrated whole.

He happily shared his feelings after seeing the show. He said that the combination of music and the traditional Chinese culture touched him most. The composers’ clever arrangement and combination of the Chinese and Western instruments was particularly special for him, evoking deep feelings.

“The music I’m familiar with is mostly classical music.It’s stunning to see that Shen Yun Performing Arts combines dancing, live orchestra, and backdrop-such diversity of changes.”

In addition, Mr. Chang admired the dynamic backdrop scenes. “The design of the backdrop is quite fabulous. The backdrops match the music. The clever changes with music and dances take people into the scene seamlessly. It’s very great.” Mr. Chang said that the backdrop was very advanced technology and the producers had put a lot of effort into it. “It is worthy of learning,” he said.

For the performance of the Shen Yun Orchestra, Mr. Chang thinks that Shen Yun Orchestra was high quality. “It’s excellent. The pieces written by the composers are very good. In the aspect of combination of the Chinese and Western instruments, it’s rich of imagination. The music contains a lot of the features and material of our Chinese music. It’s quite outstanding. Both the performance and the composing are quite marvelous.”

Of the dancing, Mr. Chang said, “Although I’m a layman, I can see that they have a very good foundation. The dancers are confident when performing and the dancing movements are very beautiful. Overall, I think it’s an artistic show.”

In conclusion, Mr Chang said,“Through personally being at the scene of the show, I experienced the feeling that Chinese culture can get inside your heart and directly feel that it can cultivate your temperament as well.” ( By the Epochtimes)

“What I had seen tonight surpassed everything I have heard”, says Austria trading company president after Shen Yun show

BREGENZ, Austria— Manuel Reiter, president of Bo’s Farm, a hemp products trading company from Hamburg, and his wife Ms. Sabrina Hartmann bought tickets to the Shen Yun Performing Arts show in the Bregenzer Festspielhaus (Festival House) on recommendation of a business friend.

“A business friend told us that the show was not an everyday extravaganza, but something that is very unique. Every time we saw him he told us more about the show. We wanted to enjoy something special after my wife delivered our baby and he told us that he had found the extraordinary for us.”

They were looking forward to seeing the show by the New York-based Shen Yun Touring Company artists, which promised stories of old and modern China and many stories handed down through folklore.

They were delighted that the audience honored the performers with resounding applause throughout the show, standing ovations and three curtain calls just before the last curtain fell for the evening.

“The show was, just as we expected, outstanding. I had heard a lot about the show and have to admit that after seeing this show, that one can’t truly do justice to the show unless one sees it personally. It was phenomenal,” said Mr. Reiter.

He also had been told that throughout the show one hears beautiful music from the Shen Yun Touring Company Orchestra, which includes musicians that play on eastern and western instruments, pleasing to the ears of all hearing the music.

“I expected dazzling colors, much fun, beautiful costumes and great music that was different than I heard before. My expectation was very high. And, I can only say, what I had seen tonight surpassed everything I have heard.”

Ms. Hartmann couldn’t agree more, “I was fascinated by the colors, the instruments and the music. I was completely mesmerized. It was so different from what we usually see. It truly was very interesting and I loved the entire show.”

The backdrop, which showed pictures of China during all of the performances, and also displayed the translation to the songs was highly appreciated, as it gave the feeling of being in China.

“The choreography and the backdrop pictures in conjunction with the costumes was perfect,” she added after a short thought……. (more details from The Epochtimes)

Shen Yun a ‘Colorful cultural shock’, Says Austria Media Head

BREGENZ, Austria— Andreas Seeburger, head of the Austrian media firm Radio Television Management, and Ms. Nikola Fritsche, a nurse, attended the Shen Yun Performing Arts show at the Bregenzer Festspielhaus.

The artists were honored with frequent rousing applause and before the last curtain was drawn with four ovations and curtain calls.

Mr. Seeburger and Ms. Fritsche had come from Bludenz, located about 60 kilometers from Bregenz.

“Wow, I can’t find the perfect word for what I just have seen and heard,” said an amazed Mr. Seeburger in the lobby.

After a few moments he tried again to find words that would perfectly fit the show. “I must say that it was very impressive. The colors, the choreography were something seldom seen. Given my position, I’m invited frequently to cultural shows. But something like that …”

He added; “Overall, I have to say, a colorful cultural shock presented in a manner I have never seen before. Wonderfully presented, great choreography and wonderful music and classic dance culture.”

Ms. Fritsche agreed. “It was fascinating … the costumes, just about everything—the entire performance.”

This was the first time they have come across a traditional culture show that brought stories from ancient to modern China through dance, song and music.

“We have never been presented Chinese culture in such a manner. We have never seen it presented like that,” he said.

Not only the artists, costumes and stage design were impressive in the eyes of these two, but also the fusion of Eastern and Western music, played on modern and ancient instruments.

“My friend and I are musically inclined. Music is able to express feelings. Listening to this music one hears feelings. When closing the eyes, one can paint pictures in one’s mind,” he said.

“But, I couldn’t deny myself to close my eyes and let the soothing music affect me.”

Ms. Fritsche agreed and added, “especially the gracefulness of the ladies and the kaleidoscope of colors remains in my mind. It all was very fascinating to me.”

Both had lots of praise for the male dancers.

“The men are the companions to the delicate ladies. The man that holds a protective hand over the delicate dancing creatures. This is how I would write it in the playbill,” said Mr. Seeburger.

“They were manly and exuded a lot of strength, on the other hand, the women exuded the same, but in different ways.”

Both will come and see the show again when it comes back to the area and concluded with a message. “We hope that many people will come and see this show.”

– The Epochtimes

Taiwan’s Award-Winning Musician Calls Shen Yun Orchestra ‘Terrific’

TAIPEI, Taiwan— Renowned music arranger Jiang Yifan, who has received many awards, including the Gold Horse Award, the Gold Tripod Award, and the Gold Melody Award, attended the Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company’s sixth show in Taipei on March 22, along with his wife and a friend.

Mr. Jiang said the Shen Yun orchestral performance was terrific. “The combination of the Chinese and Western instruments was perfect. I felt the music was wonderful. The music was basically classical Chinese music, and the resonance of the Western musical instruments complemented the Chinese musical instruments very well,” he said.

As to the dance, he said, “The movements and formations were really spectacular, and their dancing in unison made the overall performance very beautiful.”

Mr. Jiang’s wife said, “The various ethnic folk dances this year had the characteristics of the harmonization between the soft and the hard. I think it is a good idea to have some innovation. With the perfect coordination, the ambience of the show was exceptionally good.”…… (more details from the Epochtimes)

Taiwan Interior Minister Says The Shen Yun Show Is Remarkable

TAIPEI, Taiwan— On the evening of March 19, Interior Minister Jiang Yi Hua attended the Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company’s 2010 premiere in Taiwan, together with his wife Mrs. Li Shu-Zhe. As they happily walked out of the performing hall, Dr. Jiang said, “The entire show was wonderful.”

Dr. Jiang, who is known as the most handsome and gentle minister in the cabinet, and his wife were noticed by many other audience members as they entered the hall. Legislator Luo Shu-lei was among the celebrities who greeted them at the entrance.

Minister Jiang looked quite serious when he arrived due to his tight schedule during the daytime, however, he felt very pleasant after viewing the spiritual enjoyment of the artistic performance with 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture. He commended happily, “This is indeed a very superb performance.”

As to the content of the program, Mr. Jiang added: “The themes are very positive and it [Shen Yun] is especially suitable for the young generation nowadays to watch.” He also emphasized that it was great to get so many outstanding overseas Chinese artists together to perform on stage. “In the past, I had no idea about their background. After knowing that all of them are Chinese who have grown up overseas, I think they are really remarkable,” he said.

When learning that there would be 43 Shen Yun shows performed in nine major cities in Taiwan, the Minister immediately expressed that it should be recommended to more people in Taiwan, so that they would be able to appreciate this artistic feast. He continued, “This is a promotional show for arts and culture. Welcome the general public to see the show.”

As the Ministry of the Interior is in charge of many important government functions, including police, household affairs, social welfare, fire-fighting services, etc., it has long been dubbed as the most important ministry in Taiwan. Dr. Jiang was recruited into the cabinet as Interior Minister from academic circles in the wake of a major flooding disaster last year. Since then, he has been in the media spotlight in Taiwan.

– The Epochtimes

Japan University President: Shen Yun Demonstrates Inner Beauty

FUKUOKA, Japan— On March 15, President Fujimoto Jun of Nakamura Gakuen University, a well-known private university in Fukuoka, watched the New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts performance in the Fukuoka Sunpalace Hall in Fukuoka, Japan, along with his wife. Mr. Fujimoto, also an expert in anatomy, praised Shen Yun for presenting the magnificence and glory of China’s five-millennia-old culture, which enables audiences to perceive the distinctive characteristic of the universality of traditional culture, as well as the profound inner beauty behind the presentation of outer beauty.

Mr. Fujimoto said that the performance of Shen Yun encompasses various forms of art, including music, dance, and painting.

He said that he sensed beauty presented through all the programs and dancing movements. He quoted the founder of his university as saying, “The exterior appearance is the reflection of the inner world.” The performance of Shen Yun enabled him to have a deeper understanding of this quotation. The external beauty of Shen Yun’s dance is the realistic reflection of performers’ inner beauty; only those with beautiful hearts are capable of demonstrating such a beautiful presentation, he said.

Stunned by the lively rhythm of the Shen Yun music, Mr. Fujimoto said, “This is the first time I have come in contact with this kind of music with lively rhythm. I am amazed and touched.” …… (more details from The Epochtimes)

Related:
– Shen Yun in Asia 2009 (1)- Korea, Japan: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience

(video) Shen Yun in Australia, New Zealand 2009: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience

Video length: 13’44”

Vodpod videos no longer available.
Related:
– (video) Shen Yun in North America 2009 (1)-  USA: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience
– (video) Shen Yun in North America 2009 (2) – Canada: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience
– (video) Shen Yun in Asia 2009 (1)- Korea, Japan: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience
– (video) Shen Yun in Asia 2009 (2)- Taiwan: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience
– (video)  Shen Yun in Europe 2009: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience

(video) Shen Yun in Europe 2009: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience

In 2010 from March to April, Shen Yun will be performing in following cities/countries in Europe: (schedule)

Amsterdam / Holland; Bruges / Belgium; Frankfurt, Dresden / Germany; Lausanne / Switzerland; Lyon, Paris / France; Bregenz, Vienna, Wien /Austria; Dublin / Ireland; Aarhus / Denmark; Stockholm,Linköping/ Sweden; Oslo/ Norway;Brno / Czech Republic; Cardiff / United Kingdom

Here’s a review video of Shen Yun Performing Arts’ show in Europe in 2009. Video length: 11’21”

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Related:
– (video) Shen Yun in North America 2009 (1)-  USA: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience
– (video) Shen Yun in North America 2009 (2) – Canada: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience
– (video)  Shen Yun in Asia 2009 (1)- Korea, Japan: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience
– (video)  Shen Yun in Asia 2009 (2)- Taiwan: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience

(video) Shen Yun in Asia 2009 (2)- Taiwan: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience

Video length: 11’02”

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Related:
– (video)  Shen Yun in Asia 2009 (1)- Korea, Japan: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience
– (video) Shen Yun in North America 2009 (1)-  USA: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience
– (video) Shen Yun in North America 2009 (2) – Canada: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience
– Review (video): Shen Yun Performing Arts’ Chinese Dance and Music Show
– Shen Yun review (video 2): Chinese dance and music

(video) Shen Yun in Asia 2009 (1)- Korea, Japan: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience

Video length: 11’09”

Vodpod videos no longer available.
Related:
– (video) Shen Yun in North America 2009 (1)-  USA: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience
– (video) Shen Yun in North America 2009 (2) – Canada: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience
– Review (video): Shen Yun Performing Arts’ Chinese Dance and Music Show
– Shen Yun review (video 2): Chinese dance and music

(video) Shen Yun in North America 2009 (2) Canada: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience

Video length: 11’10”

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Related:
– (video) Shen Yun in North America 2009 (1) USA: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience
– Review (video): Shen Yun Performing Arts’ Chinese Dance and Music Show
– Shen Yun review (video 2): Chinese dance and music

(video) Shen Yun in North America 2009 (1) USA: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience

Video length: 17’52”

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Related:
– Review (video): Shen Yun Performing Arts’ Chinese Dance and Music Show
– Shen Yun review (video 2): Chinese dance and music

“I really wanted to stand up to applaud” for Shen Yun, Says Founder of Korea Dance School

DAEGU, South Korea– Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company’s beautiful performance caused a sensation in the South Korean art community. After watching the third Shen Yun performance in Daegu on the afternoon of Feb. 27, Ms. Han Jee Ahn, founder of Han Jee Ahn Dance School, said that if she were asked to describe Shen Yun in words, she would have to say it is “the consummation of art!”

After her parents mentioned the show to her, Ms. Han came to Daegu all the way from Daejeon with her husband and children to watch Shen Yun. She said that she originally did not hold much expectation, but after watching the show, she could not help but admire the excellence of the performance. She really wanted to express her appreciation with a standing ovation. Even sitting in her seat, she said she raised her hands high up to applaud.

Having had a dance career herself, Ms. Han paid special attention to the stage equipment, performers’ dance skills and associated composition elements. She said that the performers’ presentation is much better than what she had expected. The feeling brought by every performer’s facial expression is very nice.

She said that generally performers spend lots of effort in order to show their skills during dancing. Once on stage, they are under tremendous pressure and sometimes they even appear as being tired. However, Shen Yun performers can always dance so naturally and cheerfully even in such a lengthy performance process. At the same time, the skills they demonstrate and what is reflected from their soul looks really nice. “I really wanted to stand up to applaud. Anyway, I applauded really hard.”

The backdrop amazed Ms. Han. In South Korea, they normally use props. It is the first time that she has seen such a performance. “Using the backdrop as the base, the animation displayed brings a dynamic feeling,” Ms. Han said, “At the same time, the coordination between the performers and the backdrop is really incredible. Looking from every perspective, the performance is profound and very good.”…… (more details from the Epochtimes)

Shen Yun Review, by Korea Renowned Vocalist: “is very spectacular”

DAEGU, South Korea— Mr. Chun Sung Whan, renowned vocalist and chief director of Korea Performing Arts Promotion Association, watched the second Shen Yun Performing Arts show in Daegu, South Korea on Feb. 26. He said: “Shen Yun does a great job presenting the virtues of the Chinese nation. The combination of Eastern and Western musical instruments is perfect and the composition of all programs is very spectacular. It shows the inner beauty of the artists very well.”

Mr. Chun said: “The Shen Yun show reflects the minds of ancient Chinese very well. It is very diversified. I wish we could watch this kind of show more often, especially the professional dancers. The story-based programs are very interesting. I think the professional dancers should watch the show often to be inspired.”

“It is a very spectacularly composed performance, showing the inner beauty of the artists. I can feel the spirituality and inner meaning from the vocal pieces. The whole program makes me feel refreshed. I’m also very happy to see the performances of different ethnic groups in China. It is a very enjoyable experience,” added Mr. Chun.

In regards to the orchestra, Mr. Chun said: “The Chinese and Western musical instruments are coordinated very well in the orchestra. The orchestra members have very good technique. They successfully lead the audience to experience the special charm of classical Chinese music. The conductor put in a lot of effort. Under her lead, the orchestra works seamlessly together. It was a job well done.”

As South Korea’s well-known musician, Mr. Chun, said: “I know the music, in each country or ethnic group, has its own characteristics. Shen Yun Performing Arts’ New York Company Orchestra perfectly combines the musical instruments together. The overall performance successfully expresses the special charm of classical Chinese music while retaining the characteristics of a variety of musical instruments.”

Mr. Chun was the Dean of Music Department at Catholic University of Daegu. To nurture more young musicians, dancers and artists, he is now engaged in the establishment of Performing Arts Promotion Association. Mr. Chun said: “I hope more artists in South Korea can watch the show. It would be great if Shen Yun can perform around the country, not only in Daegu.” – The Epochtimes

Related:
– Shen Yun review (video 2): Chinese dance and music