NORTHAMPTON, U.K.—Reynold and Jane Atack Lee enjoyed a performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts at Royal & Derngate in Northampton on Jan. 19.
Mrs. Lee described Shen Yun as “brilliant” in many aspects: “It’s very, very good. Costumes are brilliant, dancing’s brilliant, music’s brilliant—really impressive,” she said.
Shen Yun’s patented use of digital animation backdrops astonished the Lees. “The animation adds very much to the live performance on the stage,” Mrs. Lee said.
Mr. Lee, a human resource director, was impressed at how “the people go over those steps, then follow [into the screen].”
Shen Yun’s themes express how traditional cultures are inspired by the divine.
“We’re not particularly spiritual ourselves, but it’s very interesting to get an appreciation for those cultures [which have spiritual beliefs] and the history of those cultures as well,” Mrs. Lee said.
“It’s right to keep [traditional culture] alive,” Mr. Lee said.
Former Dancer Eager to See Shen Yun Dance Performances
The opening sequence excited Mr. Luke.
“I was very excited for it to happen,” he said. “It was very vibrant and good to see.”
He especially enjoyed the piece “Sleeves of Grace” with the long sleeves. “That was very good, I think, because the way they’re able to move the sleeves, bring them in, push them out again ... very good.”
“I think it’s important to tell the story and make sure people understand it because people see things from lots of different perspectives. So I think being able to tell a story in a different way and trying to educate people is super important.”Mr. Luke said, after watching Shen Yun, he resonated with the message that community is vital: “The importance of respecting each other: it is really important to understand where we’ve been in the journey, and making sure we take the best bits and carry them forward.”
Mr. Luke was impressed with the orchestra and said, “That was one of the first things I looked at. I think the combination of a live orchestra and dance is amazing and so good to see.”
