SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun’s London Performance Leaves CEO in Awe of Chinese History

Jan 27, 2024

LONDON, UK—Chinese history is the longest continuous recorded history on earth, and Shen Yun Performing Arts is using beautiful dance and music to showcase some of its most amazing moments.

“It was a surprising impression. I didn’t expect what I saw. And frankly, I have to admire the performers and even the director—everything that he’s been able to do. I think the key element is being able to create awareness and historical significance within a framework of compassion and ideology,” said Shafik Gabr, chairman and CEO of ARTOC Group.

Mr. Gabr was particularly impressed with Shen Yun’s artistic director and the way Shen Yun used its patented digital backdrop. The digital backdrop is an extension of the stage, allowing scenes to change in the blink of an eye.

“He has done an incredible job of linking animation with reality. And I think that’s very nice. I haven’t seen it anywhere else,” said Mr. Gabr.

Shen Yun is based in New York and is dedicated to reviving 5,000 years of Chinese civilization—a China before communism.

“It was an eye-opener. I’m a person who has traveled to over 120 countries in the world. I have been to China only once. But today, I think I was transformed into a whole different framework of thinking about China,” shared Mr. Gabr.

Being from Egypt, Mr. Gabr is no stranger to old cultures and traditions. He felt that Shen Yun’s presentation of Chinese history was creative and educating.

“I feel it is extremely innovative, creative, and presents a message that many people don’t know about China and the history of what we’re watching,” he said.

He expressed that culture defines a civilization, so culture should always be shared.

“So, in all honesty, these countries need to always, always put their culture forward. Because that history is very important for civilization,” said Mr. Gabr.

Shen Yun’s dancers are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most expressive dance forms in the world. Using bearing, form, and technique, the three major components of classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun brings stories to life.

“The stories are very enlightening. It creates awareness ... and I think they’re done in a very nice taste and [are] extremely inspirational. So I enjoyed them very much,” said Mr. Gabr.

Seeing so many talented young artists, Mr. Gabr expressed his support and said the performance left a lasting impression on him.

“There’s a lot that I’m taking with me from the performance. But the most important thing is I wish great success to these young performers,” he said.

Reporting by Mary Mann, NTD, and Maria Han.

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