MELBOURNE—The city of Melbourne turned on sunshine as well as enthusiasm for the final performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company at the Regent Theatre on Sunday, March 6. Shen Yun brings to life the soul of ancient Chinese culture with its high moral values by performing the old folk stories and ethnic dances, including classical Chinese dance. The appreciative Melbourne audience honored the Shen Yun artists with two curtain calls, and popular tenor, Guimin Guan, performed an encore.
Flamenco dancer Susan Jimenez loved the costumes and the story-based dance, particularly the dance about the mischievous monks. She found the stories unusual and interesting with the interaction of the backdrop scenery and the dancers on stage.
“It’s different; some of it is fun, like the monkeys. The monkey god is kind of fun when they come down from the heavens. I like it because it’s different. It shows the Chinese character,” she said.
Being a flamenco dancer, Ms. Jimenez was especially appreciative of the strong expressive qualities of the dancers.
“I liked the athleticism and co-ordination,” she said. “The beautiful costumes ... the Mongolian one, it was fantastic.”
She was referring to the dance Herding on the Grasslands, in which horsemen form a vision of exhilarating strength as they gallop beneath blue skies. Outspread, fluid arm movements resemble eagles in flight, while energetic steps express a dauntless grace. Dancers evoke powerful images of Mongolia’s unbridled wilderness as they capture the high spirits and warm hearts of its people, says the program.
Shen Yun portrays Chinese culture through 5,000 years and its many dynasties. Ms. Jimenez was able to experience the soul of China’s history as well as contemporary stories of modern-day China.
“It’s very interesting,” said Ms. Jimenez. “They’re showing it by different eras, so I liked that.”
Susan came with her friends and they all said they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Reporting by April Shan and Philippa Rayment.
Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company will perform in Canberra on March 8 and 9 at the Canberra Theatre, before continuing its 2011 World Tour to Taiwan. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
Flamenco dancer Susan Jimenez loved the costumes and the story-based dance, particularly the dance about the mischievous monks. She found the stories unusual and interesting with the interaction of the backdrop scenery and the dancers on stage.
“It’s different; some of it is fun, like the monkeys. The monkey god is kind of fun when they come down from the heavens. I like it because it’s different. It shows the Chinese character,” she said.
Being a flamenco dancer, Ms. Jimenez was especially appreciative of the strong expressive qualities of the dancers.
“I liked the athleticism and co-ordination,” she said. “The beautiful costumes ... the Mongolian one, it was fantastic.”
She was referring to the dance Herding on the Grasslands, in which horsemen form a vision of exhilarating strength as they gallop beneath blue skies. Outspread, fluid arm movements resemble eagles in flight, while energetic steps express a dauntless grace. Dancers evoke powerful images of Mongolia’s unbridled wilderness as they capture the high spirits and warm hearts of its people, says the program.
Shen Yun portrays Chinese culture through 5,000 years and its many dynasties. Ms. Jimenez was able to experience the soul of China’s history as well as contemporary stories of modern-day China.
“It’s very interesting,” said Ms. Jimenez. “They’re showing it by different eras, so I liked that.”
Susan came with her friends and they all said they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Reporting by April Shan and Philippa Rayment.
Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company will perform in Canberra on March 8 and 9 at the Canberra Theatre, before continuing its 2011 World Tour to Taiwan. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
