Shen Yun performed in London’s Eventim Apollo to a packed auditorium on Jan. 10.
“It was brilliant. Like seeing the timing and precision of dancers. Being an ex-dancer, seeing that is just phenomenal. You can see how many hours and how much work goes into what they put together. It looks so effortless,” said Natalie Mulkerrins, a director and former dancer.
“It’s colourful, it flows, it’s vibrant, it keeps you very snappy, very awake,” art dealer Bradley George said.
“It’s a real feast for the eyes and the ears too,” said Anwar Choudhury, a former diplomat. “I really was taken aback by just how good it was.”
Shen Yun artists seek to revive China’s rich culture and history live on stage.
“I also thought the stories, although quite Chinese, there was universality about them,” Mr. Choudhury said. “There was love and redemption and remorse too, as well as enlightenment. So I thought it was a fabulous show.”
Oleksandr Riepkin, vice president of an energy association, said, “It really encourages people to stay with their roots, to stay with their heritage, to stay with real values.”
“Every movement, every finger, every hand, every leg extension, it was wonderful,” Ms. Mulkerrins said. “It conveyed every bit of the story that they wanted to show, came through with that. All of the history of China and the culture and the colors were marvelous.”
The artists depict stories from ancient times to the modern day through the ancient art form of classical Chinese dance, which has been passed down over thousands of years.
But the artists cannot perform in China today.
“I think that the artists, musicians, and all of these people are very brave, because we know how powerful sometimes dictatorship can be, and to bring your feelings and to bring your culture in a way which is forbidden, unfortunately, in your country, I think you need to be brave, and at the same time, you are part of your real nation, and it will never be forgotten,” Mr. Riepkin said.
NTD News, London
NTD is a media sponsor for Shen Yun Performing Arts.
