LONDON—In a bid farewell, New London Theatre’s audience showered adulations upon Shen Yun Performing Arts 2009 World Tour presentation. The appreciative audience filled the renowned West End Theatre with a crescendo of cheers, whistles, bravos, and continuous applause. Held for five days, from March 3–7, a standing ovation for the duration of three curtain calls brought the evening of the sold-out seventh and last show, to a memorable end.
The New York-based Shen Yun is composed of a unique group of leading artists who share in a vision of reviving Chinese traditional culture, which has been all but destroyed under communist rule. Shen Yun takes its inspiration from 5,000 years of Chinese culture and has many Chinese dancers and dances depicting Chinese myths and legends.
One audience member, Ms. Miller, who has a media and communications degree primarily in the film industry, was unexpectedly touched.
“It was a whole mix of emotions. Each and every different performance brought different things in. At the start it was very tranquil, peaceful—then later there was war and conflict.
“It was very emotional. The performances of the actors were particularly moving at times—with their expressions and hand movements,” Ms. Miller said.
Perhaps no other art form in the world has such expressive qualities and diversity as classical Chinese dance. Masterful choreography and graceful routines range from grand imperial processions to ethnic and folk dances.
Gorgeously costumed dancers move is sychronised patterns, all perfectly matched with groundbreaking orchestral music that combines Chinese and Western composition.
State-of-the-art backdrops conjure celestial scenes, vast pastoral plains, majestic palaces, billowing clouds, and plum blossoms, but, “It was the blend of music with the dance for me.
“I thought it was perfect in that the performers were very in tune with the music, from their hand movements to their costumes—the way their costumes flowed with the music. I thought it came out beautifully.
“I didn’t really expect to be affected in that way. I’d heard reviews of the show before, so I was obviously very keen to see it, but the way it affected me, I didn’t really expect that at all.
“I’ll be going home and putting it on my facebook, and saying everyone must see it when its next in town.”
NTDTV, a media partner of The Epoch Times, contributed to this article.
For more information please visit DivinePerformingArts.org
