GOLD COAST, Australia—Ian Grace, the founder and president of a youth music venture, was left spellbound by Shen Yun Performing Arts.
“It’s spellbinding,” he said of the March 14 matinee show at the Home of the Arts.
Mr. Grace runs a music program for youths aged 11 to 16 that brings together talented young musicians to form bands and receive mentorship from professional artists.
He is also a business leader and mentor, and dedicates much of his time to the local community. This has earned him the 2024 Queensland Volunteer of the Year and 2022 Gold Coast Volunteer of the Year awards.
“If you look at our English civilization compared to this, there isn’t that same tradition in art and music and expression,” Mr. Grace said.
“At one stage, I was almost having a little tear because you’re living the story as you’re going through it,” Mr. Grace said.
“You watch the good, the bad, and watch how things unfold.
“The whole thing is fascinating.”
The storytelling is heightened by the patented digital animated backdrop, which allows dancers to seamlessly move between the stage and the screen.
“That’s magic,” he said.
Mr. Grace excitedly urged everyone to watch Shen Yun.
“You’ve got to see it. It’s spellbinding, it’s awesome, it’s traditional, it’s heartwarming. It’s all of those things—you have to see it.”
