Shen Yun Brings a Splash of Sunshine to Fort Lauderdale

(Clearwisdom.net) The New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts held four exhilarating and uplifting shows at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Au-Rene Theater, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on February 10-12, 2012.
Psychologist calls Shen Yun ‘glorious’

Dr. Jane Dye and her friends attend Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Broward Center for Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. (Courtesy of The Epoch Times)Dr. Jane Dye attended the Shen Yun show out of her interest in Falun Dafa, as she has been practicing the Falun Dafa exercises for about two to three months.

“Oh, it’s wonderful, just wonderful,” she said of the show. “So that’s why we were so interested in coming.” The Falun Dafa Association of Florida sponsored Shen Yun’s Florida engagements.Falun Dafa is a spiritual practice that involves slow-moving exercises and moral principles. It has been unjustly persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) since 1999.Dr. Dye shared her understanding of why Falun Dafa is persecuted in China: “They [the CCP] were uncomfortable with so many people so spiritually evolved.”“Oh, it was glorious,” said Dr. Dye, speaking of the performance. “The costuming, the dance, the colors—magnificent.”Dr. Dye’s friend John Cheraso, a mechanical engineer, said, “I find it very interesting that you can portray pieces of history through dance and expression like this.”

Shen Yun’s poetic nature a joy

Michael Cooper, chief concierge at the Lago Mar Resort Motel–a renowned oceanfront resort–attended Friday’s performance to get a better understanding of Shen Yun before telling the resort’s guests all about it.“To send my guests to such a wonderful show, I come to see it first,” said Mr. Cooper. “[Now] having seen it, I know it’s beautiful and very cultural for this community.”Mr. Cooper’s companion for the evening, Candace McKinniss, a schoolteacher, loved multiple aspects of the performance.“I loved the poetic nature of the songs, which then carried into the dances,” said Ms. McKinniss. “It’s so beautiful.”Ms. McKinniss felt the songs spoke to her heart, and set a mood and a feeling for the rest of the performance.“I just love the way it all ties together,” she said.

‘It was just fantastic’

John Lamont, a retired police officer, and Pat Allen, a former educator, also attended the performance.“It was just fantastic,” said Mr. Lamont. “We loved it. We appreciated the athleticism of the performers and the effort that they put into preparing for the performance. It was fantastic.”Mr. Lamont enjoyed the dance “Sleeves of Silk.” “They looked like they were just floating,” said Ms. Allen, who saw Shen Yun two years ago and decided to come back for more. When asked why, she had a simple answer. “They are beautiful.”

Company owner: ‘I loved the meaning’

Ross Gregg, who owns a company that sells forklifts, said the meaning in the song lyrics appealed to him.Shen Yun includes vocalists who sing in Chinese in the bel canto style. The lyrics are projected onto the backdrop in two languages, Chinese and the language of the host country.In describing the colors in the show, Mr. Gregg explained: “I love the colors, the beautiful colors. Purple is my favorite,” he said.Mr. Gregg was accompanied by Ms. Armenti, an artist who also works as a chef on a private yacht.She was also seeing Shen Yun for the first time. “As they say in the Spanish language, ‘encantada.’ It was enchanting. It was so enchanting and fascinating, and the dancers were so driven—they had a passion and a purpose for what they were doing.”Ms. Armenti said she felt very fortunate to experience the beauty of Shen Yun. “It was a blessing.” She said she felt blessed “to see the culture of the Chinese through their dance and their love of their history, through movement, through their history.” “It was beautiful.”“The passion was evident in every movement of their hands and their feet,” Ms. Argenti said.Mr. Gregg said he felt buoyed by the experience: “Inspiring, uplifting, very good. We enjoyed it.”

Shen Yun: A special Valentine’s gift for Fort Lauderdale

Also in the audience was Karen Kaye, a psychotherapist. “I thought it was magnificent, brilliant, symmetrical, cultural, inviting. I love the story that it told. I would see it again next year,” she said.Speaking of the spiritual aspect of the performance, she said: “Love it! It’s what I’m about—meditation, spirituality, reincarnation, fate. It was all part of the story, and I enjoyed it very, very much.”She said she felt absolutely inspired. “I liked at the end that good outweighs evil. That was very enlightening and very uplifting.”

Microbiologist calls Shen Yun an ‘historical explanation’

Stefan Mojsilovic, who works in the pharmaceuticals industry, said, “You can learn a lot about Chinese culture just coming here.” Mr. Mojsilovic was accompanied by Olja Marjanovic, a microbiologist.Ms. Marjanovic spent seven months in China recently. She said, “Here and there—completely different.” In contrast to her experience while in China, she described Shen Yun to be an “historical explanation.”Mr. Mojsilovic added, “she [Ms. Marjanovic] told me you can’t just have anything like this there—in China.” He described Shen Yun as “really amazing.”“Never seen anything like it,” he said.The two of them praised the colors in the performance and the handmade costumes that span China’s dynasties, regions, and ethnic groups.“The orchestra was really good. Yes, the whole performance,” said Ms. Marjanovic. “We had binoculars, we saw it.”“The orchestra, everything. The songs were amazing!” said Mr. Mojsilovic.Referring to Classical Chinese dance, which embodies traditional aesthetic principles, unique dance movements, rhythms, and inner meaning, Mr. Mojsilovic said, “It has a lot of meaning to it. Amazing. I was impressed.”

Florida officials welcome Shen Yun

This is the fifth consecutive year that Shen Yun has performed in Florida. Letters of greeting from federal and local officials again honored the occasion.


Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz recognized Shen Yun for its “unwavering commitment to renewing, preserving, and celebrating these forms of traditional Chinese dance.” (Provided by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Courtesy of The Epoch Times)Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz welcomed “internationally renowned” Shen Yun Performing Arts to the Broward Center: “It is performances like the one you will see … that remind us all of the unique ability of the arts to transport us to another time and place and to communicate lessons about the heritage and traditions of cultures from across the globe.”The Congresswoman recognized Shen Yun for its “unwavering commitment to renewing, preserving, and celebrating these forms of traditional Chinese dance.”Rep. Ted Deutch wished this year’s tour great success and “continued growth and expansion in the years to come.”“Shen Yun Performing Arts is greatly appreciated and celebrated for its unique classical Chinese dance and music. I am inspired by the group of Chinese artists who revived 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, forming Shen Yun Performing Arts. It is truly a remarkable and diverse program showcasing talented dancers, singers, and musicians,” the Congressman wrote.Rep. Alcee L. Hastings welcomed Shen Yun to South Florida, recognizing the performing arts company for its “very entertaining and widely acclaimed program.” The Congressman expressed “great respect for Chinese culture and traditions.”

‘Exhilarating event’

Fort Lauderdale Mayor John P. Seiler welcomed back the cast and musicians presenting this “culturally rich and exhilarating event.” Shen Yun celebrates the excellence of Chinese classical dance inspired by a 5,000-year-old culture.

John P. “Jack” Seiler, mayor of Fort Lauderdale, described Shen Yun as “a wonderful showcase for the talents of the dancers, musicians, and artists involved in the spectacular production of myths, legends, and ancient Chinese culture.” (Provided by John P. “Jack” Seiler, Courtesy of The Epoch Times)“It is a wonderful showcase for the talents of the dancers, musicians, and artists involved in the spectacular production of myths, legends, and ancient Chinese culture,” he wrote.On behalf of the Broward County Commission, County Mayor John E. Rodstrom Jr. welcomed Shen Yun: “This show will bring our residents an unforgettable experience through Chinese dance, music, and culture. We have much to learn from a society that spans more than 5,000 years.”North Miami Beach Mayor George Vallejo appreciated Shen Yun for allowing South Florida the opportunity to share in celebrating its spectacular dances, in which the “Chinese traditional culture helps illustrate the deeper spiritual core” of the ancient culture.

George Vallejo, mayor of North Miami Beach, appreciated Shen Yun for bringing South Florida the opportunity to see “spectacular dances” through which traditional Chinese culture "helps illustrate the deeper spiritual core" of the ancient culture. (Provided by George Vallejo, Courtesy of The Epoch Times)

Sources: 
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/shen-yun-on-tour/psychologist-calls-shen-yun-glorious-190470.html 
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/shen-yun-on-tour/shen-yun-s-poetic-nature-a-joy-189899.html 
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/shen-yun-on-tour/company-owner-i-loved-the-meaning-189814.html 
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/shen-yun-on-tour/shen-yun-a-special-valentines-gift-for-fort-lauderdale-189667.html 
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/shen-yun-on-tour/microbiologist-calls-shen-yun-an-historical-explanation-189745.html 
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/shen-yun-on-tour/shen-yun-opens-florida-performances-in-fort-lauderdale-189350.html

Introduction to Falun Dafa

Falun Dafa (also called Falun Gong) is an advanced practice of self-cultivation based on the Buddha School of teachings, founded by Mr. Li Hongzhi, the practice’s master. It is a discipline in which “assimilation to the highest qualities of the universe—Zhen, Shan, Ren (Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance)—is the foundation of practice. Practice is guided by these supreme qualities, and based on the very laws which underlie the development of the cosmos.” Master Li’s teachings are set forth in a number of texts, among which are included Falun Gong, Zhuan Falun, The Great Consummation Way of Falun Dafa, Essentials for Further Advancement, and Hong Yin. These and other works have been translated into thirty-eight languages, and are published and distributed worldwide.

A more complete introduction, including free downloads of Falun Dafa books and instructional videos, can be found on www.falundafa.org.

High Profile CCP Officials Wang Lijun and Bo Xilai Committed Crimes of Genocide Against Falun Gong

(Clearwisdom.net) In recent weeks it has been alleged that two high level CCP officials, Wang Lijun and Bo Xilai, have been fighting with each other. Their power struggle is one of the most talked about issues among Chinese people today. As the facts of corruption are revealed, it is likely that they will ultimately face justice.

Regardless of the result, one thing is certain: Both of these men have been actively and aggressively participating in the persecution of Falun Gong. For the past ten plus years, the suppression of Falun Gong escalated and intensified in the areas they worked. Wang and Bo have reportedly orchestrated mass arrests and been responsible for the brainwashing, torture, and imprisonment of many.

Bo Xilai and Wang Lijun Were the Masterminds Behind the Mass Brainwashing of Falun Gong Practitioners in Chongqing


According to Minghui/Clearwisdom website reports, Bo Xilai spent 17 billion yuan on the installation of 500,000 cameras after he arrived at his post in Chongqing in 2007. In 2009, Bo Xilai appointed Wang Lijun to be chief of the Chongqing City Police Department. Reports of arrests, torture, and imprisonment of Falun Gong practitioners in Chongqing escalated.

According to Minghui reports, Bo Xilai claimed to bolster efforts to make Falun Gong practitioners renounce their belief in Falun Gong. He shortened the 2010-2012 three-year plan to two years for favorable results and political gain. In the time that Bo Xilai served in Chongqing, nearly 20 Falun Gong practitioners have been tortured to death.

In 2011, more than 360 Falun Gong practitioners in Chongqing faced varying degrees of persecution. 277 of them were arrested, 22 were sentenced to forced labor, and more than 70 faced harassment or threats from the police or their local residence committee. The police ransacked most of the practitioners' homes. In some districts and counties, every Falun Gong practitioner was victimized.

In addition to the local police, many people were hired to monitor practitioners around the clock. In 2009, 188 Falun Gong practitioners were either arrested, detained, or had their homes ransacked. Six people were tortured to death, 18 were imprisoned, 76 were incarcerated in forced labor camps, and five were sent to psychiatric institutions.

For example, Mr. Tang Yi, a senior railway engineer and a local resident in Anju Town, Tongliang Township, Chongqing City, faced long-term imprisonment because of his faith in Falun Gong, according to Minghui. He was tortured with many cruel methods. In April 2009, Mr. Tang was paralyzed from the waist down, became incontinent, and his lower body began to fester. He died at the age of 46, on September 22, 2009, as a result of the torture inflicted on him.

Mr. Liu Guangdi, a senior engineer in his 60s, was another victim of persecution in Chongqing. He was arrested during the 2008 Olympic Games and sentenced to one year at the Xishanping Forced Labor Camp. He was severely tortured and given large quantities of unknown drugs. He became critically ill and died on September 25, 2010, as a result of the torture he endured at the camp.

Bo Xilai Has Faced Lawsuits Accusing Him of Genocide and Torture in Many Countries


For his role in China's persecution of Falun Gong, Bo Xilai has been served with both civil and criminal lawsuits in 12 countries. An Australian court found him guilty in a trial where he refused to appear. In November 2009, a Spanish court filed a lawsuit against Bo for genocide and torture.

In 2004, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police added 45 Chinese government officials to its watch list because of their involvement in the persecution of Falun Gong. These Chinese government officials could face denial of entry to Canada, repatriation, or lawsuits. Bo Xilai was included in this this list. It was said that Bo Xilai would accompany Hu Jintao on his tour of the United States and Canada in 2005, but Bo did not make the trip because he had been served a lawsuit on his trip the year before.

According to Minghui reports, Bo Xilai ordered the systematic arrest, imprisonment, and torture of practitioners while he was the mayor of Dalian City. As a result, Dalian became one the cities where the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners was most severe. The Dalian Forced Labor Camp, notorious for torturing and sexually abusing Falun Gong practitioners, was praised by CCP officials as one of the most "progressive institutions" for its "renowned achievements in 'reform' education." The Dalian Police Department was given a level-one award for its achievements in suppressing Falun Gong.

According to the World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (WOIPFG), while Bo Xilai was posted in Liaoning Province, some of the most severe persecution of Falun Gong occurred there. Masanjia Forced Labor Camp and Dalian Forced Labor Camp were notorious for inventing brutal methods of torture and inflicting them on imprisoned practitioners.

Former Canadian MP and Canadian Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) David Kilgour cited a piece of evidence in his report on the CCP's live organ harvesting on May 24, 2007: "The wife of a surgeon revealed the organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners after her husband confessed to removing corneas from 2,000 Falun Gong practitioners at a hospital in Liaoning province while Bo was governor."

Wang Lijun Directly Responsible for Organ Harvesting Atrocities Inflicted On Falun Gong Practitioners


According to a witness, while Wang Lijun was chief of the Jinzhou Police Department, he masterminded and orchestrated large-scale arrests of Falun Gong practitioners.

For example, in the early morning of February 25, 2008, the police in Guta, Linghe, and Taihe simultaneously arrested nearly 30 practitioners. They ransacked their homes and confiscated their personal belongings and more than 100,000 yuan in cash. Lu Tao, an officer from the Taihe Police Department, brutally interrogated Ms. Liu Fengmei, Mr. Qu Chengye, and Mr. Huang Cheng. Mr. Huang later was tortured to death in Panjin Prison at the age of 56.

Evidence shows that Wang Lijun also participated in the live organ harvesting. In 2002, the witness, who was working for the police system of Liaoning Province, participated in illegal arrests and torture of Falun Gong practitioners (see reference [1]). The witness was an armed police guard by that time and witnessed two military surgeons remove the organs from one living female Falun Gong practitioner. On April 9, 2002, the Liaoning Police Department sent for two military surgeons, one from the General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region of People's Liberation Army and the other one a graduate of the Second Military Medical University. They transferred this practitioner to the General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region. While she was fully conscious, without using any anesthetics, they harvested her heart, kidneys, and other organs. The organs were harvested under the jurisdiction of Wang Lijun, the police chief of Jinzhou Police Department.

The witness added that he heard Wang Lijun say that we "must eradicate all [Falun Gong practitioners]." (see reference [1]) The witness had previously arrested and tortured Falun Gong practitioners before he came forward with the reports. Institutions in Liaoning Province severely persecuted Falun Gong practitioners. According to Minghui.org, there have been 406 confirmed deaths of Falun Gong practitioners in Liaoning Province.

In an academic article entitled "An Empirical Study on the Donors' Organs after Drug Injections," Wang Lijun is listed as a co-author although he has no medical background. Was he given credit as the supplier of human bodies for the study?
In Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, at least 500 Falun Gong practitioners have been arrested. 71 have been tortured to death, and more than 30 have become handicapped according to Minghui.

Goodness is Rewarded, Evil is Punished

According to a random health report from China's Police Department, more than 70% of the police force failed their physicals, 30% of the police suffer from heart disease, 40% had high blood pressure, 30% had gastric diseases, 20% had arthritis, and 16% had hepatitis. 80% of those surveyed want to quit their job.

After Wang Lijun's recent visit to the No.3 Military Medical University in Chongqing, a Chinese blogger (unconfirmed source) posted the findings. The blogger wrote that Wang Lijun slept only 2 to 3 hours a day and was so worried that he would leave the lights on when he slept. Also that Wang later became hysterical and had thoughts of suicide.

Someone commented online, "Wang Lijun killed too many people and did too many bad things. Now he is suffering from karmic retribution."

References:

[1] World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong Publishes Case Report of Conversation with Witness to Organ Harvesting
(http://www.clearwisdom.net/html/articles/2009/12/14/113122.html)
Chinese version available

Taiwanese Falun Gong Practitioner Arrested in China

(L to R)Two of Zhong's relatives, his mother, Zhong Ai, Legislator Cheng Li-chiun, Legislator Yu Emi-nu, chairman of the Taiwan Falun Dafa Association Chang Ching-hsi, and Falun Gong human rights lawyer Theresa Chu. Press conference to appeal for the urgent release of Zhong Dingbang, in Taiwan, on June 22. (Zhong Yuan/The Epoch Times)

TAIPEI, Taiwan—A Taiwanese businessman and Falun Gong practitioner was abducted by Chinese security forces last week, starting a campaign by his family to raise political and media attention about the case on the small island.

Zhong Dingbang left Taiwan on June 15 for a three-day trip to Ganzhou, China, to visit relatives. He was expected to return home on June 18, but never did. His phone was dead, too.

The relatives of Zhong’s wife and his daughter, Zhong Ai, in the mainland learned that domestic security forces had taken him away. They said he was needed to “help with an investigation into Falun Gong,” a peaceful spiritual practice that has been persecuted often relentlessly by the Chinese authorities since 1999.

Zhong is 53 and holds a Master’s in Engineering. He travels to China for business and to see relatives.

“The Taiwanese government needs to request that the Communist Party release my father from custody!” His daughter, Zhong Ai, wrote in a letter that was quickly circulated online.

Confronting the communist behemoth across the strait has so far not been the specialty of current Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou, however.

Lawmakers are putting pressure on him nevertheless. Legislator Yu Emi-nu took Mrs. Zhong and Zhong Ai to the Legislative Yuan office where they held a press conference recently. They discussed the persecution of Falun Gong in China and Mrs. Zhong’s 25 year marriage.

Zhong Ai, the daughter and a recent university graduate, said that although she doesn’t practice the discipline, she thinks it “teaches people to be better people … it’s a good spiritual belief that brings peace and harmony to our family.

It’s not like what the communist party describes it to be,” she added.

Theresa Chu, an attorney that often represents Falun Gong practitioners and litigates Chinese officials for genocide and torture, said that Zhong is probably now in the hands of the 610 Office, a secretive, powerful, and extrajudicial police agency that was established with the mission of “eradicating” Falun Gong in China, using whatever means necessary.

Ms. Yu, the legislator, pointed out that the reciprocal judicial assistance agreement reached by both sides of the strait requires a report about the place and reason for the detention of a Taiwanese citizen. It’s unclear whether the mainland will be furnishing that in this case. Falun Gong practitioners, persecuted and vilified by the ruling party, are often treated without recourse to any law in China.

There are somewhat encouraging precedents in cases like this, however. The detention of Falun Gong practitioner Lin Xiaokai in 2003 for example was handled at the presidential level, according to legislator Cheng Li-chiun. “We also demand that the Communist Party release Zhong Dingbang unconditionally, and allow his return to Taiwan to be reunited with his family,” Cheng said.

From 1998 to 2009 there were 14 Taiwanese Falun Gong practitioners that were persecuted upon visiting mainland China, all serving periods of detention but being released before having to serve their full sentences.

Among them was Li Xinju, who was forced to by a spy by Chinese security forces. Li was made to collect information on Falun Gong practitioners around the world and intelligence about the election in Taiwan for use by the communists.

Read original Chinese article.

chinareports@epochtimes.com

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Washington, DC: Viewers Impressed with International Truth-Compassion-Forbearance Art Exhibition (Photo)

(Clearwisdom.net) On December 2, 2011, the International Truth-Compassion-Forbearance Art Exhibition opened at the Alex Gallery, the largest gallery in downtown Washington, DC. The opening of the exhibition drew many viewers, some of whom shared their impressions.

Painting: Pure Call

The International Truth-Compassion-Forbearance Art Exhibition draws many viewers

Anastasia Bride, manager of the gallery

Anastasia Bride, the facility manager, has been working at this gallery for dozens of years. She said, “This exhibition is shocking. Viewers stay much longer than for other exhibitions. They ask, 'Why does such a persecution occur? What have they done?' This exhibition spurs people's interest in learning about China.”

Susanna Thornton, a photographer and filmmaker

Susanna Thornton, a photographer and filmmaker, said she liked the painting 'Homeless' the best, because it shows a girl keeping her belief under stressful conditions. She said it reminded her of Langston Hughes's poem “Hold Fast to Your Dreams.”

Rosa Dejesus (right), a medical school student from Puerto Rico

Rosa Dejesus, a medical school student from Puerto Rico, was visiting her boyfriend in DC. She said the paintings moved her, especially “Come Back, Daddy.” Without having seen the painting, she would not have learned about what is occurring in China. As a medical school student, she thought it was inconceivable that doctors were involved in harvesting organs from living Falun Gong practitioners.

Graduate student Beth Leonhardt

Graduate student Beth Leonhardt said, “When I walked in, I was drawn by the shocking paintings. These paintings are beautiful and inspiring. They are shocking and encourage viewers to learn more.”

Robert Donato, an engineer

Robert Donato, an engineer, said, “It is an eye-opening experience. I did not know the issues in China, such as persecution, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. The principle of truth and compassion is good for everyone.”

There are more than 40 paintings in the exhibition, which will run from December 2 through the 30. The gallery is located at 2106 R Street, NW, Washington, DC.

Chinese version available

Bordeaux, France: Visitors to the Falun Dafa Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Art Exhibition Condemn the Violence Perpetrated by the Chinese Communist Party (Photos)

(Minghui.org) The Falun Dafa Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Art Exhibition has toured over 200 cities around the world. From March 15 to 26, 2012, with sponsorship from City Hall, the Exhibition was held at Halle Des Chartrons in the center of Bordeaux, the fourth largest city in France. Over 60 paintings by 15 artists gave many people an opportunity to learn about Falun Gong and the persecution in China.

 

The Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Art Exhibition 
in Halle Des Chartrons in Bordeaux

Chantal Bourrague (left), Member of National Assembly of France,
attends the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

Chantal Bourrague, Member of National Assembly of France, at the Opening Ceremony

Member of National Assembly Ms. Chantal Bourrague represented the Mayor of Bordeaux, Alain Juppe, at the opening ceremony. She thanked the exhibition organizers for introducing the talented artists to the city of Bordeaux, as well as for exposing the violent and inhumane acts of the Chinese Communist regime. “Every belief needs to be embraced, and people yearn for freedom. It is a universal value to respect the dignity of others. The beautiful and magnificent (Falun Gong practitioners) form a distinct contrast to the brutality and violence (of the persecution). We are honored and proud to host this exhibit in Bordeaux. Again, on behalf of the Mayor, I thank you for coming to the art exhibition.”

Ms. Bourrague also expressed her support for Falun Gong, “My heart is with you, because all of the violence the Falun Gong practitioners suffer is intolerable. I have a wish and that is for all of the government officials who committed crimes to be punished in international courts.”

Report in the Bordeaux Gazette

Report in the Bordeaux Gazette

A reporter from the Bordeaux Gazette attended the opening ceremony. He reported on the exhibition in detail. The article said that the exhibition opened a window for people to understand the sharp social issues in China, especially the issues that the Chinese authorities refuse to mention and are widely ignored. It said that the artists revealed the misery (of the Falun Gong practitioners) as well as the glory of divine beings. “The works in the exhibition reveal the beauty of Falun Gong and how the Chinese authorities brutally persecute Falun Gong practitioners. Most of them are illegally imprisoned, tortured, pressured to give up their belief, and subjected to arbitrary investigation. For some of them, their organs were removed while they were still alive… many have died because of torture and inhuman treatment.”

Feedback from Viewers

Impressed, designer and painter Benoit Cape said, “Seeing the authentic painting inspired me. It is not seen a lot in France because we do a lot of abstract and modern art. These paintings are traditional and realistic. The artists have impressive skills and portray colors and people in a versatile manner. I am drawn to the sadness of the dark world and the beauty of Heavens. I am even more attracted to the people’s spirit and emotions.”

 Patrick Green

One of the visitors to the exhibition, Patrick Green, saw a magnificent truth when he saw the painting “Shocking.” “It reflects an unusual atmosphere. The light focuses on the person being tortured and the rest of the painting is dark. It allows my eyes to see the truth. What is the truth? It’s the moment when I found it. I saw the peace of a person meditating in the air. She endures all the pain peacefully, which panics the people who torture her. This painting conveys a magnificent truth.”

 Danielle Lontoh

Danielle Lontoh said that the paintings were touching and beautiful. She believes that since China has opened up its doors to trade and to doing business with the world at large, it must open the door for other things. “Everyone should be allowed to have his own thoughts, art, and culture. The door for business is opened, and I hope the door for freedom will open as well. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) tortures its people for their belief. I hope that there is a light that can dim the CCP.”

 A man in tears as he views the paintings

A man said in tears, “You see my hands are shaking. I want to cry when I see the paintings… it’s too cruel! I will come to the exhibition every day until the last day.”

Chinese version available

CATEGORY: Music and Art

Shen Yun Enchanting Audiences Worldwide

Divine Art—A Window Into the Genius of Shen Yun Performing Arts,


All but lost in the East, the essence of an age-old culture rises in the West. This is Part 9 of a nine-part series that explores traditional Chinese culture to reveal a deeper understanding of the genius of New York-based classical Chinese dance company Shen Yun Performing Arts. View the whole series HERE.

A colorful display of thousand of years of Chinese culture amazed audience members attending a sold-out performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company at the David H. Koch Theater in the Lincoln Center, New York. (Dai Bing/The Epoch Times)

It would seem nearly unattainable to “revive 5,000 years of divinely inspired Chinese culture” as is stated in New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts’ mission statement. Yet with three equally large touring dance companies simultaneously crisscrossing the world, Shen Yun has been doing just that, earning new fans from all walks of life one show at a time since 2006.


Last year, Shen Yun traveled to 100 cities in 30 countries, and is pushing even further in 2012.


Last weekend alone, Shen Yun wowed tens of thousands of audience members in three of North America’s most important cultural centers: New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto. Sold-out shows led audience members to gush—including CEOs, those from the arts and fashion communities, and government officials—Shen Yun enchanted them all.


This begs the question how a performance can be hailed by such a diverse set of people? Therein lies the magic of Shen Yun. It appeals equally to people of all nationalities, ages, and professions.


Such wide appeal is the sign of truly universal artistic work that combines the best of what is modern and what is traditional. While the highest standards for the dancers and musicians are met in the most traditional ways, Shen Yun also incorporates the best of innovation—utilizing groundbreaking visual effects that accentuate and thrill.


Below is a sampling of audience feedback from the performances held Jan. 11–15 in Los Angeles, New York City, and Toronto.


Los Angeles

Sean O'Bryne and Kym Wilson, were among the enchanted theatergoers at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Friday night, for the sold-out opening performance of Shen Yun. (Courtesy of SOH Radio Network)

Falun Gong Practitioners Hold Peaceful Protests in Thirteen Countries Simultaneously (Photos)

(Clearwisdom.net) On January 27, Falun Gong practitioners from 13 countries in Europe, Asia, and North America held peaceful protests in front of their local Chinese embassies between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. They protested the ongoing 12-year persecution of Falun Gong and called upon the public to pay more attention to what is taking place in China.

In the Republic of Latvia, ten practitioners held banners in the snow in front of the Chinese Embassy in Riga.

Protest in Riga, Republic of Latvia

In Serbia, practitioners gave truth-clarifying information to the receptionist at the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, and asked her to give it to the ambassador. She promised to do so.

Protest in Belgrade

In Croatia, a young Chinese man saw practitioners doing the Falun Gong exercises. He asked what they were doing, and practitioners told him that they were protesting against the persecution. The young man asked if they would tell him in the future if they hold activities again. He took pictures, and accepted a copy of the Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party.

Protest in Zagreb, Croatia

Protest in Budapest, Hungary

In Greece, practitioners passed out materials at a book fair in downtown Athens and talked to the visitors about Falun Gong and the persecution. On January 29, practitioners went to Kalamata, a famous tourist spot, to clarify the truth to the visitors.

Protest in front of the Chinese Embassy in Athens 

In Slovakia, practitioners held a candlelight vigil in front of the Chinese Embassy in Bratislava. They held banners calling for an end to the persecution. Practitioners clarified the truth to passersby. Congressman Ondrej Dostal joined the protest, expressing his support to Falun Gong.

On January 28, practitioners held activities in downtown Bratislava. They passed out materials and collected signatures of support. Some people told the practitioners that they were very willing to sign the petition because they felt that this is what they should do. Many said that the communist party is really evil, and should not exist.

Congressman Ondrej Dostal (at right) joined the protest in front of the Chinese Embassy in Bratislava 

In the Czech Republic, a concert with the theme of supporting Falun Gong was held at Valdstejnský Palac. Many artists and VIPs attended the concert. Some of them also attended the protest held in front of the Chinese Embassy at noon.

Practitioners from Bosnia, Poland, Romania, Indonesia, Mexico and Brazil also held peaceful protests, calling for an end to the persecution in China.

Posting date: 2/7/2012
Category: Rallies and Protests
Chinese version available at
http://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2012/2/3/十三国同时举行活动-抗议中共迫害法轮功（图）-252684.html

Family and Friends Amazed by Shen Yun's Performance in Escondido, California (Photo)

By a Clearwisdom reporter

(Clearwisdom.net) Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company completed its five-show run at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, in the San Diego area, on January 22, 2012. The final performance on Sunday, along with several prior shows, was sold out well in advance.

Among the lucky audience members at the Sunday matinee was a group of family and friends from the local area, including Joan Ho, her friend Toni Day, her daughter Eudoria Lee, and Eudoria's friend Adelyn Chan. Delighted with their experience, the women were happy to discuss their impressions of and personal takeaways from the show.

Toni Day, Joan Ho, Eudoria Lee, and Adelyn Chan took in the Shen Yun performance at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido on January 22, 2012.

“They are sharing the cultural heritage and the beauty of the fact that there is hope.”

Ms. Ho grew up in Hong Kong and holds undergraduate and post-graduate degrees from U.S. institutions. She has taught science and foreign languages in high school and college for over 20 years, and has been active in promoting Asian performing and cultural arts in schools and the community, especially in the San Diego area.

Ms. Ho was deeply touched by the spiritual content of Shen Yun's program, which aims to revive the rich, divinely inspired cultural heritage of China dating back thousands of years. Along with taking the audience on an unforgettable journey through diverse dynasties, regions, and ethnicities of historical China, the program highlights the struggle that people face in modern China, where freedom of religious and spiritual belief has been harshly suppressed by the communist regime for over 60 years.

One of the dances entitled, “The Choice,” for example, alludes to the persecution of the followers of Falun Dafa, a peaceful meditation practice rooted in the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance. Having known about Falun Dafa prior to seeing the show, Ms. Ho said, “I really strongly believe that they should have the right and freedom to practice their religious practice and belief. ... The truth is, this group is being persecuted in China, and I deeply feel for them.”

Ms. Ho continued, “From my perspective, [Shen Yun] is not just here to present the artistic skills, they are not just here to present the musical culture of China. I think the underlying message they are trying to share with the audience and all of us is that they are speaking up in a peaceful manner to the world and to China, to us, for human rights and the freedom for Chinese people in mainland China and everywhere to practice freedom of thinking, freedom of artistic expression.”

“I think it’s from the depth of the heart and soul that they are sharing the cultural heritage and the beauty of the fact that there is hope. I think that’s so important, because right now people in China cannot see, cannot feel, and I wish them the best,” she added.

“It is truly an amazing experience!”

Ms. Ho's daughter, Eudoria Lee, is a senior in high school, born and raised in southern California by parents from Hong Kong and Taiwan. With a background already rich in diversity, Ms. Lee was delighted to learn more about traditional Chinese culture, and provided her own feedback after the show.

“My parents wanted me to know about my own culture, so I enjoy reading about the Chinese classical legends and stories, but I had never seen such a grand production of authentic Chinese culture like Shen Yun Performing Arts,” she said. “I am glad that I came, because I am [now] more than ever inspired to learn more about Chinese history, Chinese classics, and cultural traditions and arts.”

“I really liked the artists' sincerity and authenticity in conveying messages of love, loyalty to family and country, and upholding the value of righteousness for the hope for spiritual and artistic freedom, to bring about a more peaceful world,” Ms. Lee added. “I have waited for four years to see the show and I finally had a chance to see it. It is truly an amazing experience, to be remembered! The young dance artists [of Shen Yun] are my model and inspiration!”

Ms. Lee's friend and classmate Adelyn Chan has a particular interest in video and film, and “loved the cinematic backdrop” featured in the Shen Yun production. Finding the show to be a highly memorable experience, she drew inspiration from it for her own future endeavors.

“Although I am Chinese and my parents came from Hong Kong and I go to Chinese school, I have not been exposed to such fine artistic cultural presentations and it is an awfully powerful experience I will never forget,” she said. “It will have an impact in my art, since I want to be a graphic artist someday.”

“What an inspirational group of artists, who speak to the hearts of all people!”

Toni Day, a retired U.S. government worker, had lived in Taiwan for three years and has a keen interest in Chinese culture. “What extraordinarily talented musicians, ingenious choreographers, [and] gifted dancers performing with grace and virtuosity! What exquisite and colorful costumes and backdrops that captivated audience imagination from start to finish with finesse!” she enthused.

“The original composition of the Eastern and Western music is quite amazingly well blended and pleasing to listen to,” she added, referring to Shen Yun Orchestra's unique synchronization of traditional Chinese instruments with Western philharmonic base.

Ms. Day lauded what she saw as setting this show apart, “Shen Yun is able to capture the finest art form, expressed through music and dance, that delightfully unfolds the history and culture of China with dazzling scenes and stories. What is unique about [the Shen Yun artists] is that they all gave their spirits and souls to perform with one mind, one heart, and oneness at the highest caliber artistically.”

“I admire these young people with Chinese heritage, who have made such a commitment to work diligently and persistently to uphold their ideals of traditional Chinese culture and values, and devote their time and life to share such an amazing wealth of cultural and spiritual heritage with all people around the world. What comes through in their performances are their sincere belief and hope for religious and artistic freedom of expression, as well as their calls for spiritual revival of Chinese cultural traditions,” she continued.

Ms. Day concluded with high praise and a message for Shen Yun performers, “What an inspirational group of artists, who speak to the hearts of all people because these traditional values they hold dear to their hearts are universal to us all! Your mission to inspire people to search [for] the heavenly values is far more worthy of our efforts, to search for above-the-material things of this world. You have given us gifts of inspiration to take away. Thank you again for your dedication, and keep up with your spirit of hope! Good luck in your endeavors!”

Shen Yun Performing Arts has three equally large companies that tour the world simultaneously with the mission to revive the 5,000 years of divinely inspired, traditional heritage of China. Shen Yun will be performing in Kansas City Missouri, Augusta Georgia, Eugene Oregon, Cincinnati Ohio, Park City Utah, and Vancouver Canada, in the week of January 31-February 5, 2012. For more information, visit http://www.ShenYunPerformingArts.org.

Posting date: 1/31/2012 

Category: Reports on Shen Yun

Nuremberg, Germany: Calling for an End to the Persecution (Photo)

(Clearwisdom.net) Falun Gong practitioners from Nuremberg, Germany, often hold activities in front of St. Lawrence's Church, calling for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China. Last weekend, they came here again, holding banners and collecting signatures from passersby.

Practitioners hold banners in the snow in front of St. Lawrence's Church, Nuremberg

Although it was snowing, many people stopped by and signed the petition to show their support for an end to the 12-year persecution in China.

Posting date: 1/31/2012
Category: Community Events
Chinese version available at
 http://minghui.ca/mh/articles/2012/1/30/德国法轮功学员在风雪中呼吁制止迫害（图）-252535.html

Shen Yun Receives High Accolades from Accomplished Performers in Ballet, the Arts and Hollywood

By a Clearwisdom reporter


(Clearwisdom.net) Shen Yun Performing Arts concluded its five-show run in the Greater Los Angeles area, the epicenter of the entertainment industry and home to Hollywood, on Saturday, January 14, 2012, receiving much praise from celebrities, artists, and the general public. This was Shen Yun’s eighth visit to Los Angeles since 2006.

Based in New York, Shen Yun Performing Arts consists of three companies that tour the world simultaneously each year with the mission to revive China’s divinely inspired, traditional cultural heritage. Integrating story-based classical and ethnic Chinese dance, masterful vocal solos, live orchestra and animated backdrops, Shen Yun’s 2012 production takes the audience on a colorful, soulful and educational journey through five thousand years of Chinese civilization, from antiquity to contemporary China.

Shen Yun performed two shows at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Orange County, California, on January 11-12, followed by three performances at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles on January 13-14. All five performances were sold out.

Over 11,000 people attended the Shen Yun performances in the Los Angeles area. Many audience members indicated that they looked forward to seeing Shen Yun return to the region next year. Several also asked for advance notice to make sure that they could secure the much-sought-after tickets for their family and friends next time around.

Renowned Actress: “I’m sure everyone around the world will want to see this show”

Actress Ms. Carole Wells with friend at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on January 14, 2012. (Courtesy of SOH Radio Network)

Renowned actress Carole Wells, whose decades-long career includes many accomplishments in television, movies and publishing, found Shen Yun inspiring. “It’s so inspiring, because besides the visual beauty, the story is good—because it does tell the sad side of what’s happened in China, along with the happy side,” she said after the Saturday matinee, according to The Epoch Times. Along with a dazzling display of historical and cultural diversity of China, Shen Yun presents several stories set in contemporary China, highlighting the ongoing suppression of Falun Dafa, a spiritual meditation practice, by the Chinese communist regime.

“It’s very special, and I think everyone should see it, and I’m happy to see so many Chinese people here seeing it,” said Ms. Wells of the production. “I’m sure everyone around the world will want to see this show.”

Artists, Celebrities and Public Praise Shen Yun

Actor Drew Carey at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on January 14, 2012. (Courtesy of The Epoch Times)

“The artistry is really fantastic,” said celebrity comedian and TV star Drew Carey, who attended the Saturday matinee, bringing along eight of his friends, according to The Epoch Times. “Those are spectacular dancers.”

Musician and composer Mr. Richard Leach, who has performed with such music legends as Ray Charles, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, described the Saturday evening performance as “breathtaking,” according to the paper. Noting the “wonderful music” and the “great orchestration,” Mr. Leach was also taken with the vocal soloists featured in the performance. “I liked the singing, the sopranos, the words on the screen [translations of the lyrics sung in Chinese]. Those messages were very profound,” he said.

Mr. Stephen Lenske, a lawyer attending the Friday evening performance, thought “the dancers were magnificent” and the stories presented through the dance “very interesting.” He was also impressed by the “beautiful costumes,” “beautiful backdrops and fantastic music,” noting that “the transitioning between the video [digital backdrop] and the dancers was excellent” and “the precision was absolutely outstanding.”

Ms. Victoria Ananyan at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on January 14, 2012. (Courtesy of The Epoch Times)

Ms. Victoria Ananyan, a soloist ballerina with San Francisco Ballet, was so taken with Shen Yun on Friday night that she returned to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion the very next day to see the performance again, reported The Epoch Times. “I got really inspired, and I had to come back and see the show once again,” she said, calling the performance “awesome” and “spectacular.”

“I want to recommend everybody watch [Shen Yun],” Ms. Ananyan added.

Posting date: 1/17/2012
Category: Reports on Shen Yun