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COLUMBUS, Ohio—Paul Schoonover, owner of Gardnier Allen DeRoberts Insurance in Columbus, brought his wife, Ellen Schoonover, a relocation consultant for an international company, and their friend Pam Pryor, a retired French teacher, to see Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Ohio Theatre on Wednesday, March 2.
Mr. Schoonover enjoyed the show, saying, “I thought the sets and the costuming to be beautiful, and the dance was fabulous.
“I thought the history was interesting, especially the religious history. We think of China as not being a religious country … other than the religious persecution. I didn’t know anything about Dafa [Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong]. That was completely new. … I enjoyed it. I want to learn more about it,” he said.
Falun Gong is a traditional “qigong” practice of body, mind, and spirit. Its practitioners perform four gentle exercises and meditation and try to live according to the principles of truth, compassion, and forbearance.
‘Beautiful’
Ms. Pryor, said, “I think it was lovely. Before I see it next year, I’d like to do a little more reading, informing myself about the different dynasties and eras. It was absolutely beautiful music, beautiful costuming, and beautiful sets.”
Many audience members remark on the colorful costumes and unique backdrops. Shen Yun features “hundreds of gorgeous, hand-made garments [that] span China’s dynasties, regions, and ethnic groups,” according to the Shen Yun website. Animated backdrops projected behind the dancers present lush landscapes, deep forests, Mongolian prairies, and heavenly paradises.
Mrs. Schoonover said that after she saw a Shen Yun advertisement, she “came home and read a little more online.” She said that Shen Yun was everything she had hoped it would be.
Based in New York, Shen Yun Performing Arts has set out to revive the traditional dance heritage and culture of China. Shen Yun performances include ethnic and folk dances and classical Chinese dances that tell stories and legends inspired by China’s 5,000 years of culture.
Reporting by Ying Wan and Carlen Zhang.
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
