Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Sees Educational Value in Shen Yun

PHILADELPHIA—Jacqueline Conyers and her husband LeRoy Conyers attended the Shen Yun Performing Arts show at the Academy of Science in Philadelphia on Feb. 22. Mrs. Conyers is the associate dean of the college of liberal arts and sciences of DeVry University.

Mr. Conyers said he had a strong sense that the performance was unique.

“Actually, for me, it’s like a historical event, because I haven’t had that kind of experience here in [Philadelphia].

He said it was a new and different way to encounter and savor Chinese culture.

Mr. Conyers said the performance was “so culturally stimulating—you get to appreciate the arts of all people.”

Mrs. Conyers knows a lot about the commonality of the human experience because of her work. She directs the program of social sciences and humanities for students attending DeVry University at the Fort Washington campus.

Mrs. Conyers said: “The interpretation of life in different cultures through dance and music—it’s just incredible… dance and music really is a universal language. We just don’t get to be exposed to it as we should. I would like to see a lot more young people here to appreciate this. It’s a story. It’s a life.”

She said that the costumes were gorgeous, and “the music, oh, it’s just wonderful!”

Mrs. Conyers said, about the dance called No Regrets, “Let me say the technology that they incorporated in this performance was absolutely incredible. And, it was like the Creator. The one who created all of us, the good in all of us. And that ultimately, good wins out.” The dance shows a modern village in China, and a celestial scene.

She spoke more about the emotional impact of the dance.

“And I was very taken by the mother and son. Everybody really knows what that kind of love is … It transitions across all cultures, love between a parent and a child. She tried to bring in the truth, and ultimately truth wins out, but you have to go through a lot, and she was there for him. It was important; it was very emotional.”

Reporting by Pamela Tsai and Gary Feuerberg.