“It was just the fact that they were all so together. Their spacing was perfect—their movements were all on time.
“And I loved it because it didn’t, even though they were obviously lead dancers when you watch the group, you watch the whole group, you weren’t just focusing on one person, which was really beautiful because obviously, performers have a way of wanting to be the star and wanting the attention, but no one did that,” she said.
“There’s a strong message that they’re trying to put across, and I think having everybody work together as one helped get the message across because it just showed that they all belong to the same divinity.”
She added that it was rare to see such selflessness in performances nowadays.
“Everyone’s searching for stardom and fame and to get the recognition that you don’t often see such great teamwork, and then when you do, it’s really humbling.”
A multi-talented artist herself, Ms. Brant was amazed to learn that the New York-based Shen Yun comprised eight companies that toured the world simultaneously.
“The costumes and the colors were phenomenal, and just how precise all the performers were – they were so together and so on time with everything. I haven’t seen anything like that, actually,” said Ms. Brant.
The performers succeeded in portraying the values of peace, harmony, and unity, said Ms. Brant.
In a story-based dance, Shen Yun gives a glimpse of modern-day China, with kind people still holding onto faith and traditional values like truth, compassion, and forbearance—even though one can face persecution for such a thing in China today.
‘There Is Still Hope’
Also at the afternoon performance was Fran Avon, CEO of the Rural Doctors Foundation. As someone who loves helping people, Fran found Shen Yun very meaningful.
“Particularly working for a doctors’ foundation where we [are] about saving lives, I think it was really sad to see lives not being treasured,” she said.
Ms. Avon felt that “there still is hope and that there are people that are fighting to stop these sorts of things happening in our world.”
“Having been brought up a Christian, I’m very conscious of having something that is bigger than us and something that is looking out for us, and I think it’s lovely to be reminded of that,” she explained.
“I didn’t really know what to expect. And it’s lovely to see such storytelling in a way that inspires you and excites you,” she said.
