Shen Yun performed at Australia’s capital, Canberra, at the Canberra Theatre on May 2.
Andrew Braddock, ACT Greens member and spokesperson for multicultural affairs, said he was impressed by the performance.
“Just to be exposed to the cultural performances and the athleticism of the performers, that’s absolutely incredible,” Mr. Braddock said on May 2.
“The jumps and the twirls are just out of this world and very much like ballet but of a different style and just the athleticism that’s on display, it’s very impressive.”
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive authentic Chinese culture, a culture believed to be divinely inspired.
This was reflected in music, dancing, medicine, calligraphy, clothing, language, and much more.
Pradeep Timalsina, the director of the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council of Australia, said he learned that the Chinese culture is “very rich and ancient culture.”
Meanwhile, Tony Di Maria, an IT project manager with the Australian government, said he was surprised to learn that some of ballet’s techniques originated from ancient China.
Since 1949, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has sought to destroy ancient Chinese culture including spiritual beliefs. Shen Yun also depicts how this is played out today in its contemporary pieces.
“I think it’s a shame that people aren’t able to see arts in all its forms, even when they may be challenging or counter to what the government may wish people to see,” Mr. Braddock said.
“Also the story about Falun Dafa struck home, that was a very poignant story that was very heartfelt.
“I think for me it was just grief, the grief of the family and the mother and the father associated with what happened there, that came through very clearly through the performances.”
Audience members were impressed with the overall caliber of the performance.
“I think each individual piece tells its own story and is conveyed very very well by all the dancers and all the participants in all the pieces,” Mr. Di Maria said.
Mr. Timalsina said: “We shouldn’t be missing this opportunity in a lifetime.”
Aron Mclean, an award-winning country musician, said it was “inspiring” for him to see the hard work of the performers.
“[Shen Yun] is good for people’s soul.”
NTD News, Canberra, Australia
