Shen Yun Performing Arts, the world’s first Chinese classical dance and music company, presented their new 2011 program in the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna on Sunday.

Joseph Reuben Silverbird is a native Apache indian from the U.S. He is an author, spiritual leader, musician and actor and is known for holding seminars around the globe.

[Joseph Reuben Silverbird, Ambassador For Peace]: 

“I think it's wonderful, that I was invited to come, because I saw, something that is very important, the culture, the Chinese culture becoming live again. And it's important to keep it alive. Sometimes it's being referred that our culture comes from the orient someplace, Asia. So, in your Shen Yun you‘ve done such beautiful things. I love the costumes, they are so special, but I love the dancing, the precision, the music, the backdrops, everything is so alive and you know, it brings back the culture in a modern way.“

Board member of the Institute for Cultural Management (IKM) and board member of the Vienna University for Music, Professor Franz-Otto Hofecker says:

[Dr. Hofecker, Board Member IKM]: 

“What the show transmits is the grand and unbelievable long tradition of culture in China, 5,000 years."

The former chief of the Austrian state television archive and now honorary professor for contemporary history, Dr. Dusek, liked the historical aspect of the show. 

[Dr. Peter Dusek, Former Chief of Austrian TV Archive]:

“It is all about Chinese classical dance, but with a historical background, and I have never experienced something like this before, it was introducing, it was sympathy. Now I go home and will learn more about it and I look forward to see it next year, I will prepare myself for it.“

Every year, Shen Yun goes on tour with a totally new show, with new dances, costumes, backdrops, songs and a live orchestra.

NTD News Vienna, Austira

Shen Yun Performing Arts impressed audience members at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium over the weekend.

[Natalia Baulich, Dancer]:

“I was just in awe. There were tricks, there was everything. It was outstanding, I loved it.”

Stefan Vogel, an award-winning Latin dancer, enjoyed seeing Chinese classical dance.

[Stefan Vogel, Professional Dancer]:

“That kind of dancing has the lightness from ballet, but then the energy almost from martial arts. And it was a completely new experience for us.” 

[Betty Jean Divall, Former Dancer]:

“I’ve been to China, but I’ve never seen anything like this. This is outstanding.”

Jill Johnson has seen the show before. This was her fourth time.

[Jill Johnson, Retired Soprano]:

“Beautiful. The scenery is beautiful and the costumes are wonderful and of course the dancers are marvelous. I enjoyed every bit of it.”

Aaron Goldhammer commented on the performance “Our Story” about the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China today.

[Aaron Goldhammer, Audience Member]:

“My family was in Auschwitz in the 2nd World War. I found the scene where the teacher was taken away by the security forces very, very telling from the story that I was taught. In 1944 my grandparents and family were also taken away for believing in certain beliefs. I found that very, very touching that a lot of that was still going on today in modern China.”

He said the dancers’ performance was really touching.

[Aaron Goldhammer, Audience Member]:

“We hope that despite any opposition from the Chinese government and any other forces around the world that this show continues to perform everywhere without any type of opposition, and that we should all live in freedom and hope for better times.”

NTD News, Pasadena

The Sobocki family came to see Shen Yun in Stockholm - in spite of the nice weather. 

Mr. Sobocki was happy that he was convinced to come and see the show.

[Mr Sobocki, Senior Vice President, Truck Company]: 

"I´m very impressed I must say, I´m very happy that you convinced me to come here, I said why should we spoil this beautiful sunny Monday, but after the show I´m very happy I came here. I really enjoyed it, I think it was beautiful the dance, and also the design of the clothes and everything. I really enjoyed it."

Daughter Felicia Sobocki former professional dancer and now running her own company.

[Felicia Sobocki, CEO & Former Professional Ballet Dancer]: 

”It´s very difficult sometimes and I can see, as I am a dancer myself, that they are very, very good dancers. And all these kind of jumps and acrobatic things they do it´s amazing, really. And also I feel a bit bad because I can´t do that.”

Shen Yun will end it's visit to Sweden with a fourth performance on Wednesday.

NTD News, Stockholm Sweden

Shen Yun Performing Arts played its second show at the Cirkus Theatre Stockholm. We asked audience members what they thought of the performance.

[Krystyna Muszynska, Restaurant Owner]: 

“It’s a fairytale, it’s a fairytale. Their costumes... their dance skills... It’s fantastic. It was really worthwhile coming here to see this show.”

[Lars Gunnar Kjellberg, Electronic Designer]: 

“It’s so beautiful. There is perfect timing between the artists and they move in a very artistic way. Beautiful costumes. And the stories are so interesting that my whole body was filled with joy.”

Shen Yun will perform two more shows at the Swedish capital.

NTD News, Stockholm, Sweden

On Thursday Shen Yun Performing Arts finished its two show run in Ludwigsburg, Germany. 

For some in the audience it was their first experience with traditional Chinese culture. And they were curious what Shen Yun would be like. After seeing the show for the first time they told us how they liked it.

[Angelika Schlöndorff, Audience Member]: 

“It has been worthwhile. I could not imagine what it’s about, but it is fantastic. I am very happy that I did this.“

[Jürgen Schmiedel, Audience Member]: 

“For me it was impressive because it was absolutely new. I had no idea about Chinese dance.“ 

[Roswitha Schmiedel, Audience Member]: 

“It was very appealing. Although I thought it would be quite unusual for me. But I liked it very much, and it was appealing to me.“

[Mr. & Mrs. Nehring, Audience Members]: 

“I was astonished by the discipline, the charm and the grace. Of course the miraculous costumes and this splendor of colors.“

[Jürgen Schmiedel, Audience Member]: 

“This was fascinating of course, the choreography and the whole performance, for me simply impressive.“

[Angelika Schlöndorff, Audience Member]: 

“I found the Erhu incredibly great and also the tenor. Actually, everything. I don’t know, I am still too impressed.“

In Ludwigsburg the audience said good-bye to the Shen Yun performers with long applause and standing ovations.

NTD News, Ludwigsburg, Germany.

Shen Yun Performing Arts has come to the end of a 10-show run in Chicago, Illinois. 

Gina Dunham is a former ballerina who now works as a dance instructor at a performing arts school. She was impressed by the Shen Yun dancers.

[Gina Dunham, Dance Instructor]:

“It’s very difficult a lot of the feats that they did, going into a pirouette, into a turn, go into a jump. I appreciated all of their efforts.”

Mitchell Douglas also enjoyed the show.

[Mitchell Douglas, Audience Member]:

“These people are talented, very talented. The timing was impeccable, that’s what I thought was amazing. They were turning and stopping - everything was perfect. The plum dance, the most fantastic performance I have ever seen like that. It was very inspiring, I really enjoyed it.”

Singer Anthony Colon liked the deeper meaning behind the performances.

[Anthony Colon, Professional Singer]:

“It was brilliant, the spirituality, the truth in some of the stories, the dancing it was just phenomenal. Absolutely brilliant.”

Shen Yun contralto Jiansheng Yang left an impression on him.

[Anthony Colon, Professional Singer]:

“The vocalist with the deep voice was my favorite, she was just, I felt her right here, in my soul. It was amazing.”

The next stop in the U.S. for the New York-based dance company is Pasadena, California on April 28th. 

NTD News, Chicago

Shen Yun Performing Arts has come to the Swedish capital for a four-run show. Today, Sunday, Shen Yun premieres its 2011 World Tour at the Cirkus Stockholm. 

Among the audience is Anton Abele, the youngest ever Member of the Swedish Parliament.

[Anton Abele, Member of Swedish Parliament]: 

“It is a show that shows five thousand years of Chinese culture. Five thousand  years of lost Chinese culture that now is open for the whole world. So I think it is very, very interesting and I think everyone should go and see this show.”

The 19 year-old MP says he liked the human rights message in some of the dances.

[Anton Abele, Member of Swedish Parliament]: 

“I think we all should spread the message to our friends and family. I think it is a very important message that we all need to take home. Stand up for human rights and for freedom of speech - so this has really been something very interesting and good for everyone I think here.”

Shen Yun will be performing daily until April 27th.

NTD News,  Stockholm, Sweden

Shen Yun Performing Arts is impressing audience members in Taipei. And word about the show is spreading among members of Taipei's music community.

[Xiao Baiyong, Erhu Virtuoso ]: 

“We all saw such rich things of the Chinese nationality. Very good.  Very good. Now every seat is full. And everyone really liked it -they were clapping, and all really happy. A very good performance.” 

Shen Yun takes audiences from the founding of the Chinese civilization through to present-day China.

[Xiao Baiyong, Erhu Virtuoso ]: 

“The performers fundamental skills are also very good. The scenes in the dance are really beautiful, the costumes are also beautiful.” 

Ms. Wang, a violinist who studied in France, enjoyed the coordination between orchestra and dance. 

[Wang Huiyan, Violinist]: 

“The dance, every performers’ movements were really touching. I really liked it. I’m really looking forward to Shen Yun’s next performance.”

A  number of Shen Yun’s shows sold out during this year’s Taiwan tour. Local organizers then added three additional performances in Taipei, from April 19 to 21.

[Zhang Qingxi, Falun Dafa Association Chairman]: 

"[They are giving] three extra performances, roughly within two weeks. We sell the tickets, we have already sold about 80 percent or more of the tickets. Audience members who haven’t seen  Shen Yun yet this year, [you should] immediately buy tickets, because if they wait any longer they may miss out.”

NTD News, Taiwan

Rachael Cain is the owner of Trax Records, and is heavily involved in the house music industry. 

She is a performer and also hosts events for celebrities. 

She saw Shen Yun Performing Arts in Chicago and commented on the vocalists.

[Rachael Cain, Singer]:

“I marveled at the fact that they had no microphones whatsoever.  I was checking: did they have a lavalier? Did they have a hand? No, nothing. So that was magnificent and the contralto was just out of this world because you never hear voices like that." 

She says ancient China's traditions have influenced cultures around the world.

[Rachael Cain, Singer]:

"And the dancing that was enlightening, because I’m very involved in what’s called house music and also hip hop and a lot of the moves that are in hip hop must have been adopted from your ancient style of dance.”

Shen Yun presents 5,000 years of Chinese culture.

[Rachael Cain, Singer]:

“And the whole multimedia part of the show was really great you know, because that was very special, and of course costume design so much went in to it.”

Ms. Cain also spends time in New York City. 

[Rachael Cain, Singer]:

“Perhaps I will see you in June at the Lincoln Center because I love the Lincoln Center and I loved your show.”

NTD News, Chicago

The audience in Switzerland’s biggest venue - the Theatre de Beaulieu in Lausanne - gave Shen Yun Performing Arts a warm welcome on opening night Saturday.

[Nicolas Belleux, Medical Doctor]: 

“I really like it, it's a fairytale. We are not used to this kind of show, and it captures our imagination. After watching the show, we feel more joy, more serenity. It's like a breath of fresh air! If one wants to spend a moment beyond time and space, one must see this show.”

This gymnastics instructor felt the gracefulness of the dancers come through in the performance.

[Svetlana Egorovba-Rossier, Gymnastics Instructor]: 

“It's fabulous, really fabulous. I was so touched that I even had tears in my eyes. This grace, it's extraordinary. The technique... we could feel that the dancers practice Qigong, that they work with energies.”

Some in the audience have seen Shen Yun perform before. For Mrs. Clavier it's the 4th consecutive year that she's been to the show.

[Florence Clavier, Airline Committee Representative]: 

“It's always very moving, we come back from the show with a lot of clarity, but at the same time lots of dreams, wellness and serenity. If there were more companies like this one, there might be more peace in the world.”

Shen Yun will stay in Switzerland for one more show. After that, the tour takes them to Ludwigsberg, Germany.

NTD News, Lausanne, Switzerland

Shen Yun Performing Arts started a 10-show run in Chicago, Illinois, over the weekend. Let's hear what some audience members are saying about their Shen Yun experience.

[Laura Swanson, Antique Dealer]:

“The dancers and the singers are just wonderful.”

[Karen Peters, Dancer]:

“They’re spectacular. I love the precision, I love the grace. Just beautiful movements.”

[Suzanne McCullagh, Art Historian]:

“Extraordinary. The highest degree of professionalism I’ve ever seen.”

[La Shawn Ford, State Senator]:

“There were three of us this time. I think we will bring more people next time, because this is something for people to see.”

 NTD News, Chicago

Dance director Jeremiah Enna and his wife choreographer Mona Enna saw Shen Yun Performing Arts at Kansas City Music Hall. 

[Mona Störling Enna, Dance Theater Artistic Director]:

“I’m a professional dancer and choreographer, and I can just see the high level of their training and how precise they are in their movements. I think their choreography is just wonderful.”

Shen Yun presents 5,000 years of Chinese culture, through Chinese classical dance.

[Mona Störling Enna, Dance Theater Artistic Director]:

“And I especially liked the one piece about the teacher, “Our Story” I thought it was so moving and very powerful.”

Professional violinist Vicki Hauser commented on the Shen Yun Orchestra.

[Vicki Hauser, Professional Violinist]:

“And what I enjoyed was the combination of having the classical music along with the traditional Chinese instruments. That just accented everything and made it really exciting.”

The president and CEO of the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City enjoyed the Chinese cultural experience.

[Harlan Brownlee, Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City]:

“It’s a great way to educate us.”

NTD News, Kansas City

Shen Yun Performing Arts’ shows in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, left a deep impression on some audience members.

[Zhu Meizhen, Art Teacher]:  

“I have already seen it the last four years. Every time, I feel it’s very deep. [Seeing it] I feel righteousness survives in our hearts, and evil will not triumph.”

[Zhong Xiudai, Singing Association Director]: 

“I think the clothing is very beautiful. And the backdrop changes a lot, very fresh and the color combinations are really pretty.”

The president of Sun Yat-sen University also attended the show.

[Yang Hongdun, Sun Yat-sen University President]: 

"I believe this is our Chinese people’s dance program in there. Seeing its splendor, its artistic and historic aspects, it rouses our Chinese people, and foreigners ought to also have a deep impression.”

One violin teacher really enjoyed the “Mischievous Monks.”

[Lin Zhenquan, Violin Teacher]: 

“I remember pretty deeply, of course, the Buddhist monks one, I really like that. It’s really funny. The [dancers’ movements] are really well rehearsed, and the design is great.”

NTD News, Taiwan

Shen Yun performed its last show at the London Coliseum this Sunday. This is what the audience had to say.

[Michael Carty, Company Director]: 

“This one is probably the best show I have seen in a long, long time.”

[Kaye Brown, Musical Theater Choreographer]:

“Highly innovative, unusual, very sophisticated, beautifully put together.”

[Susanna Salgado, School Student]:

“They was really amazing. They was so flexible and light like feathers in the air.”

Some audience members liked the message behind the show.

[Ewan McGarrie, Property Financier]:

“I thought the message shed a light on some of the political aspects which are currently happening in China which of course censorship, which is of course in the free world, never been condoned. It’s good that a play such as this can involve a form of light entertainment while at the same time putting more serious messages behind that, such as the evils of censorship and - in the wider context - communism. It was very enjoyable from that point of view.”

[Stammy Cottakis, Housewife]: 

“Well I loved what they sung and I loved what they stood for and I loved the spirit of the words and what the message was. To do with courage and loyalty and compassion and truth, and standing up for what you believe in.”

NTD News, London

[Sam T. Liccardo, San José City Councilor]:

“We really pride ourselves on being an international city, but this is a unique experience.”

City Councilor Sam Liccardo saw Shen Yun Performing Arts in San Jose over the weekend.

[Sam T. Liccardo, San José City Councilor]:

“I think there is a wonderful moment at the end, with sort of a moment of awakening…It was a very inspiring moment when you could really feel a sense of a passion for freedom, and for the ability to express oneself, in a way that you don’t often see in a performance. It was a really beautiful moment.”

He appreciated the skill of Shen Yun dancers.

[Sam T. Liccardo, San José City Councilor]:

“I’m a big fan of the acrobatic dancing. I’ve always been an action film guy, so I really appreciate the extraordinary dancing and the athletic, ability of so many of these dancers.”

NTD News, San Jose, California 

Shen Yun Performing Arts play their last show at the London Coliseum this Sunday. 

Among the audience is Catherine Buchanan-Richardson, a television producer.

[Catherine Buchanan-Richardson, Television Producer]: 

“I thought it was tremendous. It surpassed my wildest expectations which were very high indeed before I arrived here. I thought the choreography, the costumes, the commentary were just fantastic. Truly, truly talented.” 

Catherine says she has a long-standing interest in the culture of Asia.

[Catherine Buchanan-Richardson, Television Producer]: 

“I love the philosophy, the costumes, the literature and the dances today were just fantastic!”

She also feels saddened that Shen Yun has never performed in Mainland China.

[Catherine Buchanan-Richardson, Television Producer]: 

“I’m heartbroken to discover that this performance is not available to nationals in China. I think that’s quite sad. … But I thought that this show was an excellent mix of both traditional as well as modern elements that affect not only the Chinese nation but those of us who are interested in China as well.”

Shen Yun will next be performing in Holland. They will be playing at the Lucent Dans theater in The Hague on the 12th and 14th of April.

Neil Woodrow, NTD News, London

Stage production director Wang Yiyuan has seen Shen Yun five times, starting in 2006. He comes every year. This year he saw the show in San Jose, California.

[Wang Yiyuan, Choreographer-Director]: 

“The fifth time, once a year. Very good. I really like every program this year. Every program is really moving. Over the last five years I’ve seen [it] five times, that is to say I come every year. I don’t come to get in on the action, I feel that Shen Yun’s program is divinely imparted culture, it touches people’s hearts. It can purify people’s spirits. So every time I see it, I go back always feeling like my spirit has been purified. These people are really serene.”

Mr. Wang has been involved producing stage productions for several decades.

[Wang Yiyuan, Choreographer-Director]: 

“To train so many artists, who can promote our Chinese culture, it’s rare. As a Chinese person, I am really proud of Shen Yun.”

He hopes more people can see the show.

[Wang Yiyuan, Choreographer-Director]: 

“When I am in China visiting family I introduce them to Shen Yun’s grand program, my relatives and friends. They have heard of it before I introduce it. They all hope they can see Shen Yun soon.”

NTD News, San Jose