MANCHESTER, UK—Martina Ponsonby, principal of a dance school, keenly watched the classical Chinese dancers of Shen Yun Performing Arts, impressed with the different—and difficult—techniques from the ballet she teaches.
“That was a special moment to actually see that,” Ms. Ponsonby said after seeing Shen Yun at the Palace Theatre on Jan. 16. “It’s beautiful, and that’s not easy to do.”
New York-based Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company, and Ms. Ponsonby was fascinated by the footwork, technique, and an entirely new system of dance that she had been curious about for years.
“I’ve waited a long time,” Ms. Ponsonby said, adding that this was a performance most dancers were interested in.
“I love all the movement with the fabric. I think it’s so clever and creates such a wonderful feeling. And I love the scenery and the technology that’s being used,” she said. “It’s lovely.”
“And also you’re learning about social and history. I think that’s really important. And it’s also got a nice moral theme behind it as well, which is very important,” Ms. Ponsonby added.
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of Chinese civilization—China before communism. This traditional Chinese culture was believed to be divinely inspired, and many audience members often share that they relate deeply to the spiritual nature of the culture and feel uplifted.
For Ms. Ponsonby, a Christian, the traditional culture held many parallels to her own faith, and she enjoyed Shen Yun conveying this divinely inspired worldview.
“Colorful, vivacious, lively, and it creates such a happy feeling. I’m thoroughly enjoying it,” she said. “I know how much hard work goes behind putting that show together, but it’s stunning.”
Reporting by Mary Man and Catherine Yang.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
