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Arts & Culture

Governor Commends Shen Yun

BY Mary Silver TIMEJanuary 20, 2010

Selma Wineland and her daughter Teresa Wineland. (Mary Silver/The Epoch Times)
Selma Wineland and her daughter Teresa Wineland. (Mary Silver/The Epoch Times)
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—The governor of the State of Arkansas welcomed Shen Yun to Little Rock. The theater is in a wide, dignified town square modeled on capitol hill in Washington.

“It gives me great pleasure to send greetings to the performers, patrons and attendees gathered at Robinson Center Music Hall in Little Rock to celebrate classical Chinese dance and music brought to us by Shen Yun Performing Arts … 2010 World Tour.

Governor Mike Beebe wrote that the arts “give us an enriching, positive activity that develops educational, family and social opportunities. I commend all participants of the Shen Yun Performing Arts for presenting the beauty and grandeur of this inspired spectacle showcasing 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture.

On a rainy, warm night, many different kinds of Arkansas citizens came to see the inspired spectacle.

Medical professionals Ms. Wells and Ms. Green, on staff at St. Vincent’s Infirmary, came out of a love for culture—both enjoy classical music, opera and performance. Ms. Wells said, “The story of the young lady, the little girl whose mother … [Nothing Can Block the Divine Path]," really moved her.

“I think it’s awesome, absolutely awesome. The colors are vivid and alive. It welcomes you to the stage. It’s almost as thought you’re a part of the theme, a part of the story.”

Ms. Wells said she had never heard Chinese opera singers before, and said, “It was lovely. Really good voices. I’m really impressed.”

“She said it all,” said Ms. Green.

Ordained minister Valerie Graves of Little Rock said, “I loved it! It was really awesome. I was just totally elated by the effects. I was trying to figure out my favorite but they were all a ten plus.”

Attorney Teresa Wineland brought her 92 year old mother, Selma Wineland. “She doesn’t get out very often, but she loves to come here.” The elder Mrs. Wineland and her husband visited China and lived with a family there, which left a lasting impression on her.

“When Teresa said, would you like to go, I said I certainly would.” Both ladies have a strong interest in Chinese culture.

“The spiritual side was interesting, said the younger Ms. Wineland. “It was very interesting the way they used the backdrop. I wasn’t expecting that and thought that added a whole lot to the program.”

Once again, the dances repeatedly evoked applause at special points. The audience gave a quick and prolonged standing ovation to the artists.

  For more information, please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org

Mary Silver writes columns, grows herbs, hikes, and admires the sky. She likes critters, and thinks the best part of being a journalist is learning new stuff all the time. She has a Masters from Emory University, serves on the board of the Georgia chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and belongs to the Association of Health Care Journalists.
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