Shen Yun continued its Australia tour in Melbourne, performing at the Palais Theater from April 22 to 26.
Lawyer Leanne Sinclair said she was blown away by the scope and quality of the dancing—particularly with Shen Yun’s powerful storytelling.
“These are stories that have to be told, and I think telling difficult stories through dance is an important way of being able to educate these generations that wouldn’t otherwise hear these stories. So being able to see these really deep messages expressed through dance was just amazing,” Sinclair said after watching the performance on April 26.
“The emotion that comes from the stage is just unlike anything you really see at all.”
The New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts depicts 5,000 years of ancient Chinese culture through story-based vignettes—from ancient dynasties to modern times.
“I must admit when I first saw the opening scene, I was pretty impressed by the quality, the colors, the sound, the instrument, and I was blown away actually. It was a very good show,” said Les Kadlof, international business director for Yoohoo media solutions.
David Limbrick, lead Senate candidate for the Liberal Democrats in Victoria, said the scenes of the “blue heaven” were wonderful and “really a sublime experience.”
However, China’s once-glorious culture was on the brink of extinction under communist rule.
Through a series of campaigns such as the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese Communist Party destroyed almost all traditional beliefs and customs.
“I think my favorite aspect was the way that [Shen Yun] integrated historical culture with some of the modern-day aspects and some of the struggles that are happening now,” Limbrick said.
Audience members were also touched by the performance by Shen Yun’s soprano.
“[She’s a] very clear soprano. By clear, I mean it’s very crystal-like, very strong, and a beautiful soprano,” soprano Arena Grainge said.
“What got me the most emotional was the song. Actually the song is about having a big heart, big love towards the world, and that got me teary,” said Shallin Chok, vice president of sales and acquisition for Yoohoo media solutions.
Grainge added: “It resonated with me very strongly. And I’m really, really hoping that the message will get through around the world and everybody will listen to it.”
Shen Yun continues its Australia tour in Bendigo, Toowoomba, the Gold Coast, and Adelaide through to May 15.