(Clearwisdom.net) Shen Yun Performing Arts performed the first of three shows at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium Friday evening, May 8, as part of its 2009 Spring Tour.
San Gabriel City Councilman Mario De La Torre was absolutely thrilled to be in attendance. He highly praised Shen Yun, calling the show a "wonderful, spectacular event."
San Gabriel City Councilman Mario De La Torre (R)
Mr. De La Torre was impressed, saying, "Just the way that they dance and the way that they leap in the air, you can tell that they are all very talented people. You can tell that they put in a lot of hours of practice because they are all really very good."
He added that watching the dances made him feel like he was actually witnessing life in ancient China. "Just their movements. It just seems that I am sitting back in that age and that era. It was really quite amazing!"
Theatre Production Manager Highly Praises Shen Yun
Mr. Leaman, the House Manager at the Pasadena Playhouse, particularly noted for its high profile alumni such as Dustin Hoffman, Sally Struthers and Gene Hackman, said, "I work at a theater in Pasadena, so I'm familiar with theater operations. I love the costumes and the lighting and the color, the dancing and the music. It's fantastic. The dancing and the history of China, which was very informative to me, a bigger stage, a bigger production."
Mr. Leaman, the House Manager at the Pasadena Playhouse
About the drum performances he said, "It was very dramatic, more masculine, I guess. I like the way they walk, they do small steps, and it almost looks as though they aren't moving. That's very interesting too."
Mr. Leaman had brought his daughter, Ms. Leaman, an investment manager who also "loved the show." Ms. Leaman was amazed by the show. "It was very fascinating--very different from what I normally see. That was my father, and he was very interested in coming to see the show, so I thought, "I want to come out and see it with him. I'm loving the culture of the show ... I'm learning something new. I love dance. I dance a little myself, but not this kind of dance. I'm really enjoying the different parts of the show."
She remarked that traditional Chinese culture is unique, adding, "and the dance is different--I'm really finding that fascinating. The music is beautiful. I'm really enjoying it. It's a whole different outlook. It's very smooth, and yet very dramatic."
She was touched by the spirituality of the show, saying, "I'm finding it really moving. Like there's a whole different level to the show that I've not seen. I think it adds a whole new layer to the show, which I didn't anticipate and I'm really enjoying it. I think it adds a richness and fullness to the show. This has been a real eye-opening and learning experience."
College Professor: "I Never Dreamed It Would Be So Wonderful!"
Ms. Mark, a business professor at one of the City's colleges, was among the audience and was deeply touched by Shen Yun. "I saw the picture in the paper, but I never dreamed it would be so wonderful. And when [Shen Yun] comes again, I will bring all my friends. Just beauty. Wonderful, wonderful. They were like we were transported into heaven or something. [I] loved it. It's very inspiring. It really is. To see young people being so dedicated and giving their all. It's just very inspirational."
"The Movements All Said Something"
Also in the audience were Mr. Mere, a school network administrator, and his friend Ms. Bonilla who works in technical support for a computer software company. Ms. Bonilla loved the show, saying it was "phenomenal."
She felt it was very spiritual saying, "The movements all said something. Just everything about it. They sent a message. And it was really beautiful."
Mr. Mere felt that Shen Yun returning to the area was a very positive and unique event. "We've never seen something like this. I brought my mom as a mother's day gift.
He added that his friend was moved to tears. "My girlfriend dropped a couple tears, but she's going to deny that. It is very unique, and the message they gave was very positive. We enjoyed it."
Ms. Bonilla felt that they learned a lot about traditional Chinese culture. "How spiritual they are. And how beautiful and elegant. And so many aspects."
Mr. Mere said that they had traveled a long distance to see Shen Yun, but were very happy that they made the trip. "We highly recommend it."
Source:
http://theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/16538/
http://theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/16537/
http://theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/16536/