BOURNEMOUTH, UK—“It’s spectacular—absolutely spectacular!” said Lawrence Burr, a retired military officer, after attending Shen Yun. “Thank you to Shen Yun, because it truly brought joy to my heart today. I think you’ll probably see me again next year.”
On the afternoon of Jan. 29, Mr. Burr attended the second performance by the Shen Yun World Company at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre in the United Kingdom. A retired military officer, he was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
Having long heard of Shen Yun’s reputation as the world’s premier classical Chinese dance show, Mr. Burr said he was delighted to finally experience it in person.
“We came because we wanted something colorful,” he explained. “I had heard so many stories about the acrobatics and the balletic movements of the dancers. I’ve seen many performances across Europe—although I hadn’t seen Shen Yun before—but I think this one surpasses virtually every single one of them.”
Mr. Burr shared that retirement has given him the opportunity to seek meaningful experiences, and Shen Yun provided something rare. “As a retired man, I have a little money that allows me to go out and look for entertainment,” he said. “But it’s not easy to find something that truly brings joy to your heart. Here, though, it brings color, it brings life—and even a heavenly peach that reminds me of my youth.”
Through classical Chinese dance, folk dance, and story-based pieces, the artists showcase China’s diverse regions and bring its rich history and culture to life, offering audiences a glimpse of China before communist rule.
“The stories are wonderful,” Mr. Burr said. “They remind me of the kinds of stories one learns about China in childhood. Times have changed, of course, but it’s good to be reminded of what China once was.”
The performance also raises awareness of the Chinese communist regime’s ongoing persecution of Falun Dafa, a peaceful meditation practice whose followers strive to live by the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.
Mr. Burr expressed deep concern about the severe human rights abuses in China. “Having worked with many international organizations, I’m always horrified by what has happened in China,” he said. “The persecution continues, and I do worry about where China is heading.”
Deeply appreciative of the artists’ dedication to reviving traditional culture, Mr. Burr shared a simple message he would like to give them: “Keep dancing—because you are bringing joy to everyone.”
Reporting by NTD and Olivia Li.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
