Category: Billings

Shen Yun Shows That ‘Even in Hardship, There Is Beauty,’ Says Company Owner

BILLINGS, Mont.—Company owner Nicolle Laffin and her husband Daniel celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary by attending Shen Yun’s evening performance on March 4 at the Alberta Bair Theater. At the conclusion of the evening, the couple agreed excitedly that Shen Yun was very enjoyable and beautiful. It was the pinnacle of their weekend. “Absolutely stunning!…


Shen Yun Reminds People of Their Connection to the Divine, Says Nonprofit Director

BILLINGS, Mont.—Boyd Badten, operations director of non profit The Hearts Center, was left with a deeper sense of appreciation towards life after watching Shen Yun, particularly with the spiritual messaging he felt conveyed through the world-class performance. “I think what’s important is to remember our connection to the divine, and that everyone has a connection…


Artist Inspired by Shen Yun: ‘I Was Blown Away by the Joy’

BILLINGS, Mont.—Andy Landis-Halingstad, writer, former dancer, theater songwriter, and student mentor, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Alberta Bair Theater on the afternoon of March 4 and said that Shen Yun was “stunning. It’s beautiful. It was spiritually uplifting.” The name, “Shen Yun,” means “the beauty of divine beings dancing,” and Ms. Landis-Halingstad felt it…


Vacation in Billings: A Refreshing Family Adventure

Commentary “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” St. Augustine wrote this now-popular travel quote before the fall of the Roman Empire, which I’m sure most people would offhandedly acknowledge as true. However, a poignant experience can reinforce a concept you’ve frequently heard and make its significance…


Massage Therapists Caught in Prostitution Dragnet File Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit Over Warrantless Searches

Licensed massage therapists in Billings, Montana, are suing the city in federal court over its law forcing therapists to submit to unannounced, warrantless searches in order to stay in business. Billings recently enacted an intrusive local ordinance, targeting massage therapists as part of a crackdown on prostitution. There are at least a dozen “illicit sex…


Shen Yun’s Beauty Is Beyond Words, Ballet Dancer Says

BILLINGS, Montana—“I don’t even have the words to describe how incredibly extravagant and beautiful it was,” said Kara Olsen, a ballerina. “It was very professional.” Olsen was attending Shen Yun Performing Arts, a company reviving authentic traditional Chinese culture through classical, folk, and ethnic dance and music. The performance took place at the Albert Bair…


‘The Best Thing I’ve Ever Been to in My Whole Life,’ Composer Says About Shen Yun

BILLINGS, Mont.—David Lewis is a minister as well as a composer. He came to Billings from Livingston, Montana, to see Shen Yun Performing Arts after having it recommended to him by multiple people. “I love the performers, they’re phenomenal. This is the best thing I’ve ever been to in my whole life,” he said. “I’ve…


Lawyer Whose Son and Wife Were Killed Has Law License Suspended

COLUMBIA, S.C.—The South Carolina Supreme Court indefinitely suspended the law license of prominent attorney Alex Murdaugh on Wednesday, two days after his law firm said he took money from the business. The one-page order by Chief Justice Don Beatty said he acted at the request of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which investigates misconduct by…