‘Phenomenal’ and ‘Electrifying’: Corporate Accountant Likens Shen Yun to a Long-Lost Friend
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BRISBANE, Australia—Konstantin Fadtakhov, an accountant at fast-food giant, Domino’s Pizza, felt like he was being greeted by a long-lost friend when he attended Shen Yun Performing Arts with his partner, Pitchayapa Kanghair, at Brisbane’s QPAC on Feb. 27.
“When you are waiting for a friend you haven’t seen for a very long time, and he rings a bell, you open the door, and it just warms you up straight away. That’s the feeling I’m talking about,” Mr. Fadtakhov said.
“It was truly electrifying. It started with a massive ding, and that feeling stayed in my heart throughout the whole experience, throughout the whole session.”
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive authentic Chinese culture, showcasing a range of classical and contemporary stories throughout China’s 5,000-year-long history and bringing them to life through its world-class dancers, orchestra, and state-of-the-art digital backdrop.
Mr. Fadtakhov, who handles the accounts of over 80 Domino’s stores from the company’s Brisbane-based head office, said he was impressed by the variety of vignettes, which showcase China’s history from ancient to modern times.
“They walked us through a little bit of Buddhism. They walked us through different scenarios with restaurants. The fire dance ... the sleeve dance,” he said.
His partner, Ms. Kanghair, was also impressed by the values presented through the performance, such as stories of loyalty, compassion, faith, and forgiveness.
According to Shen Yun’s website, ancient people believed that art was meant to uplift, which would, in turn, bring joy to both the artist and those who experienced it.
“It’s really important,” Ms. Kanghair said. “We should have mercy or compassion for everyone, even though they hurt you or don’t hurt you. So that’s like a kind of sending the power of love. It’s just absolutely beautiful.”
Retired Mining CEO Amazed by Shen Yun’s Orchestra
Meanwhile, retired mining CEO and current president of Acton Mining Consultancy, Graham Buttenshaw, commended Shen Yun’s live orchestra, which combines both Western and Chinese instruments in perfect harmony.
“We’re right in front of the orchestra; they’re very good. It’s nice to see the local instruments being played as well,” Mr. Buttenshaw said while watching Shen Yun with his daughter, Veronica Buttenshaw. Mr. Buttenshaw has managed major mining operations across North and South America.
Meanwhile, Ms. Buttenshaw said watching the dances and listening to the orchestra was soothing for the soul.
“I was very much at ease, in peace. After such a hectic lifestyle as us, to come and sit down and just listen to beautiful music, beautiful instruments, and just let yourself go,” she said.
“It fills your soul; you sort of take a deep breath and feel good about it,” she added.