‘I Just Haven’t Stopped Smiling!’ Audience Member Touched by Shen Yun

NTD Newsroom
Shen Yun
Audience members watching Shen Yun at the Oxford New Theatre on Jan. 9 said they were in awe at the quality of the production.
Emily Baines, a director, was deeply impressed by Shen Yun’s artistry.

“The caliber of the performance was exceptional,” she said. “We came tonight because my mother-in-law is an ex-ballet dancer with the Royal Ballet, and we knew she’d enjoy it. It’s her 85th birthday so we brought her, and she was absolutely transfixed.”

Hotel Manager Indra Betts said the “athleticism and the talent and the choreography” were amazing.

“They were absolutely on point,” she said. “The timing was perfect. And they all looked so happy, and the expression was beautiful.”

Through classical Chinese dance, a live orchestra, and an animated backdrop, Shen Yun Performing Arts revives China’s rich 5,000-year-old culture on stage. A culture that was almost lost in recent years under communist rule.
Shen Yun brings ancient characters and legends, as well as modern-day tales of courage, to life on stage. Audience members commented on the values that came through in the stories.

“I feel that when they dance, it makes me feel I can be a better person. I feel inspired, and you can feel through them that their dances represent beauty, but not just physical beauty. Spiritual and moral beauty,” said Clinical Trials Manager Irina Niculae.

“The music was creating an extraordinary experience,” said Principal Investigator Kamila Szulc-Lerch. “It was just seamlessly integrated with the dance and the performance of the group. It was incredible.”

Some audience members commented on the joy they felt from the performers.

"I just literally haven't stopped smiling," said former supply chain executive Julie Ann Wike. "From the minute I sat down, and they started dancing, to the end, I just haven't stopped smiling. And it was just amazing. Absolutely fantastic."

NTD News, Oxford, UK

NTD is a media sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts, covering audience reactions since 2006.