LONDON—Back by popular demand, Shen Yun Performing Arts completed an extended 6-day run from Jan. 7 through 12 at Eventim Apollo.
“Year after year, we’ve been attending ... and Shen Yun brings a new energy each year,” said Faisal Shaukat, the CEO of an event management company. “To be honest, for me, it’s always amazing, outstanding, mind-blowing.”
Catherine Harrison, a patent attorney, enjoyed many aspects of the performance. “I love the coordination and the skill that makes it look so effortless,” she said.
Many in the audience noted the importance of maintaining the beauty of traditions amid an increasingly technological world.
Shen Yun’s patented 3D backdrop drew appreciation from the audience.
Ancient Tradition
Kevin McWilliams enjoyed how the ancient legends were told through dance. “They all look beautiful. They look great. They look so colorful, and it’s great.” He said the costumes were “absolutely brilliant.”
Lucy Chapman, who works in a vicarage, enjoyed the pageant and drama. “I think it’s a beautiful spectacle. The costumes are amazing. The way that the dancers use them to create all the color and the movements—it’s very impressive. The energy of the dancers, but also the grace, is lovely to see,” she said.
Dmitriy Malinovskiy, a finance director, said: “I love the light, and the colors of the outfits. It’s pretty amazing how it all resonates with the music, with the movements.”
Reviving Chinese Culture
Through classical Chinese dance and music, Shen Yun is sharing with the world the beauty of China’s authentic 5,000 years of history. Since its founding in 2006, the company has received worldwide accolades for its mission to revive traditional Chinese culture before communism. Shen Yun is banned in China.John Bridgman enjoyed seeing the contrast between pre- and post-communist China, and said that Shen Yun was an “excellent portrayal of Chinese culture.”
“I am aware of the persecution that there has been for all those who profess any religious faith in China, and I’m deeply saddened by that,” said Tim Chapman, a minister in the Church of England.
Uplifting Message
Shen Yun’s spiritual message woven throughout the performance inspired many in the audience.
John Lange, a company director who works in the film industry, said, “I think you feel this sense of spiritual well-being and energy; it goes from the performers to the audience. I think you feel it sweeping through you.”
“I think it’s really important. [Shen Yun] is a good reminder that you need to go back to your nature and not be lost in the worldly things,” said Rana Zubair, an accountant.
“If you are kind, and if you are caring about other people, it’s good for you, and it’s good for everyone. It’s all about humanity,” said Sumera Zubair.
Michael Tonge, former owner and director of a packaging company, noted the importance of reviving traditional culture. “Deep down, I think it can only be good.
“I think we need to have more insight into other nations’ way of life, and what they do, and what they believe in. I think it can only enhance what the whole world is looking for,” he said.
“Come and attend, not only bring yourself, but also bring friends and families, and just pass the word around because maybe it could be a lifetime opportunity for you,” Mr. Shaukat said.
There are still opportunities to see Shen Yun Performing Arts in the United Kingdom. Shen Yun is coming to Manchester, Oxford, Bristol, Glasgow, and other cities in the coming months.
