Classical Chinese dance group Shen Yun performed in London’s Eventim Apollo on Jan. 7. Audience members said they appreciated the energy of the performance.
Margaret Howe, a civil engineering company owner, said, “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. It’s absolutely wonderful. It’s emotional, it’s just fantastic. There are no words to describe it, you need to come and see it for yourself.”
Paul Howe, co-owner of the same company, said the dancers left him feeling “enthusiasm, youthfulness, theatrical, and they explain stories through that dance and the movements they do.”
Faisal Shaukat, CEO of ISP Events, said, “Shen Yun brings a new energy each year.”
The combination of visuals, storyline, dance, and choreography all blend together so well, he said.
Shen Yun seeks to revive China’s true traditional culture that can no longer be seen in China. And it does so by showcasing legends and tales from a 5,000-year-long history—as well as the deeper lessons behind them.
Mrs. Howe said, “Just the emotion of it and the storytelling. And as a non-Chinese person, the stories were easy to follow. It’s just amazing on a whole other level.”
Mr. Shaukat said it was sad that Shen Yun could not be shown in China, “but at least these people who are outside China have the opportunity to, not only witness, but also to understand and connect with the heritage and the culture.”
Mrs. Howe said, “The messages they’re giving, I think we need to listen to them carefully and adopt a few of them, I think would be good. Because basically, it’s all about love, isn’t it? And loving each other. And I think it’s just wonderful.”
Shen Yun was founded in 2006 and has grown from one to eight companies touring around the world simultaneously. It’s also a performance people come back to see year after year.
Mr. Shaukat said, “What I admire about Shen Yun is it’s very hard to maintain that standard throughout and they’re not only maintaining it, but also changing it and bringing one level up each and every year. And the storyline changes, the costume changes, and with the presentation, it changes. So I congratulate everyone, everyone who’s involved in the presentation and the production, and hats off to them, to this amazing, wonderful, brilliant show.”
Shows in London continue through to Jan. 12.
NTD News, London, UK
NTD is a media sponsor for Shen Yun Performing Arts.
