GOLD COAST, Australia—Shen Yun Performing Arts wrapped up their Australian tour with a sold-out performance at the Gold Coast Home of the Arts on March 16.
For Christine Wilkinson, a ballet teacher, it was an experience that was spectacular, beautiful, and “absolutely like nothing I’ve seen before.”
“The costuming was amazing ... the choreography, and the screen at the back just took it to a whole other level,” she exclaimed.
As an expert in classical ballet, Ms. Wilkinson commended the high-quality precision and movements of the dancers.
“A lot of precision, I mean, the classical technique is very different, but the classical Chinese dance was just beautiful, so elegant,” she said, “and the men were so strong and masculine.”
Ms. Wilkinson also found familiar elements, such as the theatrics and how scenes unfold in the storytelling pieces.
Shen Yun’s patented 3D digital technology allows performers to seamlessly interact with “magical windows that infinitely extend and transform the stage,” according to the company website.
“I was reading in the program that was created by the artistic director and patented. Brilliant,” Ms. Wilkinson said.
“When it first came into use, I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, how did they do that? Where did they go?’ It was amazing and just brought a whole other layer to the performance. Really spectacular!”
Aside from the professionalism and skill of the dance, Ms. Wilkinson was also touched by the message of love, kindness, compassion, and doing the right thing.
Music ‘Made By Heaven’
Inessa McIntyre, owner of the Gold Coast Quack ‘R’ Duck busses that go on land and water, was captivated by Shen Yun’s live orchestra.“I’m really amazed by the live orchestra performance,” she said.
The orchestra combines classical Western and classical Chinese instruments, such as the two-stringed erhu and the Chinese lute pipa, to create unique harmonies and sounds.
The outfits worn by Shen Yun dancers are based on traditional Chinese attire, which is said to have been inspired by the heavens.
She was particularly inspired by the “Water Sleeves,” a short piece showcasing the gentle grace of ladies dancing with long, flowing sleeves.
“When every lady flows like a river, and suddenly, you can see the flow of the beautiful water sleeves with little details on it. It was marvellous,” Ms. McIntyre said.
She remarked on how the short videos of Shen Yun online don’t do the show justice.
“You have to watch it and see it and observe it. It’s beautiful.”
