Shen Yun Performing Arts made its final curtain call in Sydney, Australia, on March 16 and 17—performing for sold-out shows. Audience members said they were captivated by Shen Yun’s revival of 5,000 years of Chinese culture—depicted through classical dance and music.
“I think breathtaking dancing, breathtaking stories. But most importantly, I think we’ve got an audience here tonight who are just enjoying themselves and enjoying the Chinese culture that we’re seeing. And it’s a tragedy in many respects that the whole world does not participate in seeing this fantastic performance,” said the Hon. Damien Francis Tudehope MLC, Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations of the New South Wales Legislative Council.
“I think it’s an extremely vibrant culture with a very rich history. It’s a shame that it’s banned in China, that’s for sure. But it’s lovely to say that the roots are still being carried through, even if it is external to China,” said Kirsten Bruce, founder and owner of VIVA! Communications.
“It helped me to understand a bit about even the Chinese traditions and cultures and all the … stories and fables, that was pretty beautiful and impressive,” said Mehrnaz Natoori, a professor at the International Institute of Business & Technology Australia.
“It’s definitely an eye opener, both with dancing and the traditional culture. … And then with the orchestra as well, it’s just a whole new level,” said Sarah Marriott, a dance teacher at Promenade Dance School.
Ancient Chinese people believed their traditional culture and values were rooted in Divinity.
“There’s so much longevity and there’s so much positivity to this particular culture. And it feels like it’s gonna go on for like an eternity and it is that Divinity, that divine kind of being, that ran through was the undertone of the entire performance,” said Ms. Bruce.
“I think it does the whole spirituality thing and the trying to have the principles of being a better person and living your best life. And even just the group dances, the fact that we’re all interdependent. We’re not individuals all trying to make it all on our own in the world, we all need each other. So I think that’s really lovely,” said Elzaan Marnane, psychologist and owner of Core Clinical Therapy.
Shen Yun will perform in Perth from March 19 to 23 with seven shows at His Majesty’s Theatre.
NTD News, Sydney, Australia.
