Gina Reynolds, ceremonial Mayor of Salford said Shen Yun Performing Arts was “absolutely fantastic” after she watched the show on Feb. 23.
“Very uplifting, very spiritual. I think it’s really good that the culture has been preserved from all those years ago in China,” she said. “It is very very energetic, to be able to do all the movements and everything. Beautiful, and I think the skill of the dancers and the musicians—absolutely fantastic!”
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, which Ms. Reynolds said was an important mission. “I think that’s really good. I think history should be preserved and cultures should be preserved. I don’t think it should be forgotten.”
From legends to myths to modern-day China, Shen Yun incorporates ancient values through story-based dance, which Ms. Reynolds said, “are really good virtues and beliefs to have.”
Even though Shen Yun celebrates Chinese culture, it cannot be seen at theaters in China today under the current communist regime.
“I think it’s sad really, because I think people should be able to see it and should be able to experience it,” she said.
This was the first time she had seen Shen Yun perform. “I enjoyed the music—very different. I’ve not heard a lot of traditional Chinese music but I did enjoy it and I enjoyed the singing as well,” she said.
“I didn’t know much about it before and I’ve not seen any performances before but I really enjoyed it.”
She thanked the performers for their “inspirational” performance. “Thank you for bringing hope to everyone and making us feel good and happy!”
Shen Yun returns to the UK later this year with an all-new production.
NTD UK News, Salford, Manchester.
