SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Physiotherapist Resonates With Moral Values Shared by Shen Yun

Feb 12, 2025

BOURNEMOUTH, UK—Simon and Julia Pervin thoroughly enjoyed the performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre on Feb. 12.

Mrs. Pervin, a physiotherapist, said: “Amazing. It’s a brilliant form of dance. Really enjoyed the show.” She noted the skillful acrobatic moves that added to her pleasure.

Classical Chinese dancers use their whole bodies to tell a story in dance with airborne flips and twists, as well as graceful movements of the arms and legs. Mrs. Pervin was amazed by their skill. “It’s just the way they move, really. The ballet is actually amazing. They fly through the air so elegantly and so effortlessly.”

The 3D animated backdrop intrigued Mr. Pervin, a former construction worker, who noted how the dancers coordinated with it. “The matching with the screen is very good. They [seem to] disappear into the graphics. It’s really well linked,” he said.

Mr. Pervin noted how the stories engaged him. “The stories are good. You can follow the stories through the dancing. It’s very good,” he said.

He agreed that it was helpful for the emcees to introduce the stories. “The story then shows you that. Gets that point across very well,” Mr. Pervin said.

Presenting a brand new set of dance pieces, musical compositions, and solo performances each season, the company takes its audience on a journey through time and space to rediscover the beauty and traditional values of pre-communist China. Unfortunately, Shen Yun is banned in China.

“Quite unbelievable,” Mrs. Pervin said. “I think it just brings it home actually, to the effect that communism had on China.”

Shen Yun’s performance also shares the message of moral values and virtues of truth, compassion, and forbearance. “It all comes across. All the culture comes across,” Mr. Pervin said. “Yes, we have similar values here, as well. So yes, the connection is very good”

If they were to meet the performers, Mrs. Pervin said, “If was able to, it would be an honor to meet one of the performers.”

Retire Air Force Lieutenant Says Young People Need to See Shen Yun

Helen Smith and John Lawrence attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre on Feb. 12, 2025. (Mary Mann/The Epoch Times) — Helen Smith and John Lawrence attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre on Feb. 12, 2025. Mary Mann/The Epoch Times

John Lawrence, a retired lieutenant in the Air Force, and his wife Helen Smith, a retired health care consultant, wanted to know more about the dancers and their training in the freedom of America.

Ms. Smith said, “I thought it was an interesting take on the comparison between a free life and a rather regulated one with the communist regime.” Shen Yun’s performers are trained in New York, but come from all over the world.

Mr. Lawrence said, “I think their ability is very, very good. Obviously, they train hard, but they’re excellent.”

For him, the time seemed to fly by during the performance. “There’s a very, very good two hours. It’s gone, just sold out. The two hours are gone.”

Mr. Lawrence appreciated the culture of traditional China, he said. “The traditions are great. I’ve been to China a couple of times, and I always find the people lovely, very nice, and friendly, ... And it’s great to see the show. Really enjoyed it.”

China’s culture is said to be divinely inspired with a close connection with the Creator. Ms. Smith agreed. “We are Christians, so we are familiar with divinity.”

Mr. Lawrence also felt a close connection with the divine. “And with God being the all-powerful being. Yes, very much. So it was great. We really enjoyed it.” Mr. Lawrence said.

The moral standards of today’s society have declined, and Mr. Lawrence commented on sharing traditional morality with the younger generation. “I think it’s a difficult question because the young have so many other things they’re looking at doing and going. I think you need to get them involved. I don’t quite know how you do that, except by coming along and having the show,” he said.

Ms. Smith said: “I think young people have a lot to learn and a lot to offer to cultures all around the world. And I think good traditions will come down through the generations. I don’t think they will die out if they’re good traditions and good culture.”

In praise of the performers, Mr. Lawrence said, “It was a fabulous show. I think their skills are excellent, and I would always come watch it again.”

Reporting by Mary Mann and Yvonne Marcotte.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.