Shen Yun Performing Arts’ first show in Tokyo, Japan attracted dancers from different backgrounds.

Korean dancer Mun Sun Re saw Shen Yun for the first time this year. She says she was overwhelmed by the artistry.

[Mun Sun Re, Professional Korean Dancer]:
“I thought the artistry was really high. The dancers’ flexibility, ability to leap, expressions, and overall level were overwhelming.”

She admires the Shen Yun dancers for embracing traditional Chinese culture even though they didn’t grow up in China.

[Mun Sun Re, Professional Korean Dancer]:
“The dancers aren’t born and raised in China. Even though they grew up in another country, they are able to cherish their native spirit, dance, and customs, and express it on stage. I am a Korean living in Japan, so I was born and raised here. Although I grew up here, I inherited Korean culture, dance, and art, and I dance it. So I can really identify with them.”

Preserving classical dance is important to folk dancer Yoko Tomizawa. She has performed around the world for over 18 years.

[Yoko Tomizawa, Folk Dancer]:
“It was so wonderful I can’t put it into words. Classical dance is something we can’t lose because it’s a part of a nation. I hope Shen Yun can spread, so the whole world can know about it.”

Shen Yun will be performing in Japan until March 17.

NTD News, Tokyo.

Original article: http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_arts/2010-03-07/187814709395.html