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“Wonderful poetry” was how Ms. Degraaf, an acupuncturist, described the Shen Yun Performance.
World-class performers, stunning costumes, 3-D backdrops, powerful drum rhythms, and a full orchestra portray legends and values of centuries-old China.
“It was fantastic. It’s really hard to grasp the culture when you study from a book. But to see it live, in a performance—it’s amazing. And it’s very poetic, which is why I love studying Chinese medicine. It’s wonderful poetry to the history of China.”
Ms. Degraaf learned of the millennia-old world of the Chinese ancients while spending a “very exciting” five years of studying Chinese medicine in London.
“Yes, it was much more difficult than studying Western types of sciences. There is a philosophy and a true belief that came from many, many years ago. Four thousand years ago is when Chinese medicine really started. So it was interesting to see how it has transformed into the modern world, and into Western culture.
“You know, it’s interesting—the point that they’re trying to come across to the American culture … I think that we need to open our horizons to other cultures of the world. So it’s great to see that they brought it to America, and [they] are really showing the true culture … [to] the rest of the world.
“It’s wonderful to be an American, of course, but to really experience the cultures of the rest of the world is a great understanding of the true belief that we’re all one,” Ms. Degraaf said.
Her favorite part of the program was: “Probably the drumming, just because it has such an impact on you—really beats to the heart of the rhythm of Chinese culture.”
In one dance, “Dragon Spring Drummers,” the buoyant fun-loving spirit of China’s folk culture comes to life with thunderous drumming and demanding aerial work.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Shen Yun Performing Arts 2009 World Tour. For more information please visit shenyunperformingarts.org
