Shen Yun has six companies of equal size currently travelling simultaneously across Europe, Asia, and North America, performing in more than 130 cities. As part of the Asia Pacific leg of the tour, the World Company has arrived Down Under, in the city of Melbourne, leading the way with an opening performance this Friday evening, Feb. 8, at Melbourne’s majestic Regent Theatre.

According to the Shen Yun website, each company comprises of 80 highly skilled members that include artists trained in classical Chinese dance and traditional ethnic dance, vocalists who sing in bel canto style, solo musicians, and a full orchestral ensemble which creates a unique East and West musical composition.

“The color and the level of drama in the costumes is inspiring, I would have certainly loved to have a closer look at the costumes and details,” Grech said.

He said he would recommend that everyone see Shen Yun: “Come and watch it. Listen to the story and be inspired.”

To dancers and dance lovers in Melbourne and Australia, Heathcote said, “I would recommend to come and enjoy this performance of Shen Yun. It’s a cultural experience of which I’ve not seen before and I think this production has a lot to offer to the audience of Australia.”

This year, an all-new 2019 program promises to be bigger and better than previous years, with a line-up of mini-dramas designed to surprise, excite, intrigue, but mostly to inspire. And the performance isn’t all serious—bilingual emcees introduce each story-dance injecting a little humor as they go.

“Everything about it was moving, it was spiritually uplifting, the music was wonderful. The CGI (computer-generated imagery) and AV (audio visual) presentation is just brilliant,” Drouyn said. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience and you must not miss it!”