Shen Yun’s performance in Jacksonville, Florida left a deep impression on Jean Chalmers and her husband. They've never seen anything like it. 

[Jean Chalmers, Former Mayor of Gainesville]:

“There’s no way I could raise it, it stands alone. There’s nothing to compare it with. And I was just amazed with the energy and the technique and the staging was so impressive. That’s a very difficult staging presentation to do.”

Mrs. Chalmers was a professional dancer who also became the mayor of Gainesville in Florida. She thought the choreography was breathtaking.  

[Jean Chalmers, Former Mayor of Gainesville]:

“And I was just really impressed by how the choreographer could integrate the back scenery with the dancers, smooth as can be, visually exciting.”

Dr. Chalmers is a retired professor from the University of Florida where he taught history for 40 years. He now wants to learn more about the persecution of Falun Gong in China after seeing the show. He can’t understand why the Chinese Communist Party would persecute a peaceful meditation practice. 

[Dr. David Chalmers, Retired History Professor]:

“It’s the story of the struggle of the people. I don’t understand why a meditation discipline causes so much alarm for the leadership of the PRC. And so I hope to find out more.”

Mrs. Chalmers believes that the arts can give moral inspiration to society, especially during tough times. 

[Jean Chalmers, Former Gainesville Mayor]:

“There’s just no question that the arts elevate people. And I am old enough to remember the real depression, and the arts were very, very strong. If you go back and look at the early 30s, people needed it. And they need it now.”

It was a memorable experience for the couple who traveled quite a distance to watch the show on January 30. 

NTD, Jacksonville, Florida.