The audience was absolutely wowed by Shen Yun at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre, with some saying they were deeply moved by the fusion of the ancient Chinese and the classical Western instruments in the orchestra.
Aviation engineer Rosie Gillies said she used to be a ballet dancer and listened to classical music, but “that mix of the traditional Chinese instruments was just breathtaking. I almost don’t have the words to describe it!”
“There were a few times I actually got a little bit emotional,” she added. “Absolutely inspirational.”
Manufacturing firm co-owner Sam Gillick said he found the Eastern and Western fusion terrific. “It was a really lovely aspect to it,” in particular the two-stringed Erhu.
Certified start-up business coach Martina Goss was blown away by the entire performance. “It was the music, it was the dance, it was the performer’s ability to tell a story through dance, which is a beautiful skill. So it just leaves you with this beautiful feeling … a feeling of tranquillity. You’re just in the moment watching the show. All your other thoughts are gone.”
Classical Chinese dance dates back thousands of years. Dynasty after dynasty, it was enriched and refined, becoming one of the world’s most comprehensive dance systems that can be seen in Shen Yun today.
“What they do, how they perform their skill, their technique, their talent … all that I’m sure hard work that they put in to bring that performance to life, through the color, through the costumes, through the storytelling, through the music is … It’s amazing. It’s amazing to have that ability to do that,” Ms. Gillies said.
Theatre technician Chloe Davies said she was shocked by what the dancers can do. “Working in theatre, I see a lot of things come in and out the door and nothing really compares to what I’ve seen so far today. It’s just amazing.”
“I am so happy that I decided to come today,” Ms. Davies said.
Ms. Gillies encouraged others to come see the performance too. “If this show is coming to your area, do go see. Yes, because it is a beautiful opportunity that you might just not get to have again.”
Shen Yun is soon to complete its UK tour with shows in Glasgow and Manchester.
NTD News, Liverpool
