(Clearwisdom.net) On February 27, 2010, the New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts Company performed two shows at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, Virginia, both of which received standing ovations.

State delegate John Cosgrove (L) and his wife Sue (R) pose for a photo with Shen Yun vocalist Guimin Guan (C).

Among the audience members was state delegate John Cosgrove, who said he was left "almost speechless" after the show.

"The dancing was spectacular. The costumes were magnificent. The entire show was just such a treat," said Mr. Cosgrove.

"I didn't know what to expect when I was coming tonight, but I'm still just almost speechless as to the beauty of the performance, the athleticism of the performers, and the orchestra was fabulous," he said.

Speaking from his background in music, Mr. Cosgrove said, "Certainly as a voice major, I was very taken with the vocalists. We just had such a wonderful time. We can't wait to see the performance again!"

Mr. Cosgrove's wife, who has a background in piano said, "I was paying particular attention to the accompanist, and she was excellent. She did a great job. The music was wonderful. I can't do anything but echo what my husband has to say."

Professor of Military Arts: "The whole set is on a higher level"

Karl and Mary Erickson at Chrysler Center on Feb. 27, 2010.

Also in the audience were Karl Erickson, a retired Lieutenant Colonel and associate professor at the Joint Forces Staff College, who attended the show with his wife.

"It was beautiful. It's magnificent art. The colors surpass anything I thought--it's hard to put a finger on any one thing, the whole set is on a higher level," he said at intermission.

Commenting on the animated digital backdrops, he said, "The additional use of the large scale screen in the background to provide the setting is very innovative."

The lyrics of the song "One Thought" contained the words, "Striving for profit and renown, has cast on us a beguiling spell," which caused Mr. Erickson to seriously ponder, "Why gather in wealth and the rest, when it's all going to be nothing in the end."

Mr. Erickson concluded by saying, "I'm enjoying the show immensely. I'm tracking the stories, the art itself, the cultural dances, watching the different forms--I find that to be extremely interesting."

YMCA executive director: "Absolutely beautiful and perfect"

Also attending the show was Christine Debastiani, executive director at the Walker YMCA, and her husband, Mark Debastiani, a football coach at Norfolk State University.

Christine talked about her experience with the show saying, "Besides it being absolutely beautiful and perfect, it does open your eyes to the persecution [of Falun Gong practitioners]."

Referring to the dance piece, "Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution," she said, "It is shocking to have such absolute beauty in these classical dances and then on the opposite side you see this woman being beaten and her child left behind. It was just so very sad."

Christine commented on the quality of the performances saying, "It is just amazing―the talent of the dancers and the colors and the vibrancy of everything. It is just beautiful!

"What struck me is that the dancers don't make any sounds. They leap in the air, all of them all at once, and there is no sound. The music was also wonderful. I thought it was beautiful."

Source:

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/30520/

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/30540/