Dancer Impressed by Shen Yun Performers’ Skill Level

March 30, 2022

As Shen Yun kicked off its Canada tour last week, one highland dancer could not hold back her deep appreciation for the arts when watching the performance in Ottawa on March 20.

“You can clearly see that they were properly trained and respected their dance form. All of them, even the lead roles to the ones that dance behind, they were always showing the emotion in each move,” said Scottish highland dancer Kayleigh Armstrong.

“Highland dancing is very strong and powerful, with a quick extension, whereas when I watch [classical Chinese dance], the strength came out so elegantly and really elongating each movement. So it’s really beautiful to watch.”

Next to ballet, classical Chinese dance is one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world today, and consists of many flips, turns, and postures.

Armstrong added that the Shen Yun dancers didn’t just dance; rather, they told the stories within the “rhythm of music” and coordination.

“For someone who’s been dancing so long, it’s nice to still see that people love to do their job, and that it’s not really a job. They just get to do what they love to do,” she said.

Meanwhile, Zoomer Radio host and actor Frank Proctor, who saw Shen Yun in Hamilton on March 22 was amazed by the goodness portrayed in the performance.

“I think there’s almost a constant feeling of goodness … and a deep yearning for peace, which seems to be very much alive today, and it reflects very much in this show, I think.”

Darren Cranford, director and co-owner of Keyframe Digital and Krow VFX, also felt the compassion conveyed in many of the dances.

“It’s about human compassion. It’s about compassion for others, when the others are down. It’s about not always about the money or the bottom line. It’s about the human experience.”

NTD News, Canada