GOLD COAST, Australia—A packed house, spontaneous applause throughout the performance, and an encore from soprano Jiang Min concluded the Gold Coast leg of the Shen Yun Performing Arts World Tour on April 27.

In the audience at The Arts Centre Gold Coast were friends and business co-owners Jens Erik Brochmann and James Holly. Mr. Holly is a songwriter, artist, and company director and is currently writing a theatre piece.

He was intrigued to see New York-based Shen Yun and said it gave him a different perspective. “I thought it was just beautiful,” he said. “I think the history is very powerful, and they do it in such a polite, gentle manner.”

According to the Shen Yun website, “For 5,000 years divine culture flourished in the land of China. Humanity’s treasure was nearly lost, but through breathtaking music and dance, Shen Yun is bringing back this glorious culture.

“Shen Yun cannot be seen in China today, where traditional culture has been nearly lost. Yet Shen Yun—a non-profit organization—has become an international phenomenon, bringing the wonders of ancient Chinese culture to millions across the globe.”

Mr. Holly said he found the production very interesting and courageous. He said, “It just comes across [as] so effortless. … If [Shen Yun] can’t get shown in China, I think they’ve done very well how they’ve put it across.”

He felt it was a pity the people in China don’t get to see Shen Yun. “Hopefully one day, they can get it shown there in China, and everyone can get to see it, which they deserve,” he said.

Shen Yun has classical Chinese dance at its heart. “Known for its incredible flips and spins, and its gentle elegance, it is one of the most rigorous and expressive art forms in the world,” the website states. Every performance also includes folk and ethnic dance, mini dramas, and solo singing performances.

Mr. Holly enjoyed many aspects of the performance: “I enjoyed it just for the theatre and the dance, and then you get to see the meaning behind it as it unravels—the stage performance. I lived it all, to be honest.”

“I thought the men brought in a good energy, and I thought the girls were just beautiful,” he said.

‘Fantastic ... 100 Percent’

Jens Erik Brochmann, an art director and co-owner of a company with Mr. Holly, said he attended the Shen Yun performance because Mr. Holly had seen it a few days earlier and strongly encouraged him to go with him so he could also experience Shen Yun’s magic.

“The sopranos were good. The performances, the dancing, the whole choreography—it was fantastic. What can you say—100 percent,” he said.

Mr. Brochmann said Shen Yun had a deep effect on him and showed how people can find the courage to endure what life gives them. He felt the performance is something people should experience: “It shows how rich Chinese culture is.” He said the program also shows why Shen Yun cannot be shown in China, which is still a communist country.

He also felt the glimpses into history provided a wonderful insight. “I know the history of China … through the different dynasties. It did illustrate that very well. And I’m pleased—this was something that we both got a lot out of. I mean artistically and in an emotional way.”

He said he would encourage people everywhere to enrich their lives by seeing Shen Yun.

Reporting by NTD Television and Leigh Smith

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit Shen Yun Performing Arts.

The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.