Shen Yun, New York Celebs, Look Forward to Next Reunion

The unusual (even for New York) high-density of celebrities was noted in articles by the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, New York Post, Huffington Post, and others.

Among the dignitaries in attendance on opening night Thursday were DKNY founder Donna Karan, Chicken Soup for the Soul author Wendy Diamond, authors Salman Rushdie and Candace Bushnell, N.Y. City Ballet principal dancer Charles Askegard, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, architect Peter Marino, designer Christian Cota, and actresses Kelly Rutherford, Nora Zehetner, and Jennifer Esposito.

The performances marked the New York-based company’s second stint at Lincoln in six months, and featured favorite pieces from Shen Yun’s first five seasons. Some made a special trip from as far away as Washington, DC.

Audience members and performers alike now look forward to reuniting at Lincoln during Shen Yun’s sixth season. The 2012 season will again feature an all-new production.

Here is some of what the celebrities in attendance had to say:

Countess Nicholas Bobrinskoy of the Russian royal family:

“It has the grandeur of an imperial court… couldn’t believe my eyes.”

Skin care guru Dr. Adrienne Denese:

“It was one of the most beautiful things I've seen in my life... beyond all expectations… truly pushing the limits of what human beings can do.”

Mega-designer Donna Karan, of Donna Karan New York (DKNY) fame:  

“What I loved about the show was the authenticity of it… The beauty of the synergy and the movement… their energy was completely aligned… The voices were extraordinary.” 

Former New York City Ballet principal dancer Leonid Kozlov:

“You can feel the energy coming off the stage from the dancers and the orchestra.”

CEO of Quest Magazine Chris Meigher:

“I've seen it three times… It is terrific! Very spiritual and very moving… uplifting... reminds me of the China we forgot about.”

Emmy-award winning Fox 5 "News at 10" anchor Ernie Anastos:

“It was breathtaking.”

Ric Ocasek, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for The Cars:

“The dance is beautiful,” the music is “soothing.”

Edward Chapman, CEO of the Marchesa fashion house:  

“Come and see it for yourselves, because you will have never seen anything like this before…”

‘Goddess of Cello,’ Christine Walevska, who has performed around the world for 30 years:

“This is spectacular—absolutely the greatest of the great.”

Georgian veteran journalist Helena Apkhadze:

“This is a gift for this planet… I'm very, very satisfied.”

Composer Junius Lighty:

"I am just really feeling the vibe."