Shen Yun Dancers Are ‘Really Amazing,’ Says Recruitment Consultant
Feb 05, 2024
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Simon Penn and his friend Sarah attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at London’s Eventim Apollo, in the U.K., on Feb. 4, 2024. (Mary Mann/The Epoch Times)
LONDON, U.K.—Shen Yun Performing Arts gave a stirring performance at London’s Eventim Apollo on Feb. 4.
Simon Penn attended Shen Yun’s presentation with his friend Sarah. Mr. Penn, a recruitment consultant, said classical Chinese dance was new and surprising to him. “I never really watched classical Chinese dance. I can’t imagine the amount of training those dancers must have gone through. So far, it’s been really amazing.”
“The dancing was incredible—I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said. “From the advertisement, I was kind of thinking more traditional style, so that was a pleasant surprise.”
Mr. Penn said he got the spiritual aspects of Chinese culture, and that it was inspired by the Divine. “The spiritual part came through, all right,” he said.
He praised the hard work of Shen Yun’s performers: “You’ve dedicated your life to doing this—an amazing accomplishment. Thank you for putting on such a wonderful show for us to see.”
‘Important to Understand Your History’
(L–R) Maria Perez, Gizelle Saxby, Bires Perez, and Craig Saxby attended Shen Yun Performing Arts in London on Feb. 4, 2024. (Mary Mann/The Epoch Times)
Coming to Shen Yun was a family celebration in honor of Craig Saxby’s birthday, with his wife Gizelle, her dad Bires Perez, and mom Maria Perez in London on Feb. 4. Mr. Saxby, a film producer, said, “I really enjoyed it. It feels very authentic—and [they] did a fantastic job.”
Mrs. Perez liked the stories of ancient China. “I hadn’t realized some of the myths and stories that were in China. So, it’s been so educational.“
With his background in filmmaking, Mr. Saxby liked the 3D animated backdrop. “Really good job,” he said. “I don’t know who did it, but it’s pretty good. ... The representation is very good.”
Through classical Chinese dance and music, Shen Yun is sharing with the world the beauty of China’s authentic 5,000 years of history. Since its founding in 2006, the company has received worldwide accolades for its mission to revive traditional Chinese culture.
Mrs. Saxby said how important it is to know what’s going on in China, past and present. “It will be very important to understand your history, the way that they’re showing you.”
Mrs. Perez felt the importance of spirituality in people’s lives, especially how the Creator saves humanity. “What he brought to the world, no matter what they’re going through, the importance of their bodies, is very important to them and above everything else in their life.”
‘Real Light Ray of Sunlight’
Yulia and John Homewood attended Shen Yun Performing Arts on Feb. 4 in London. (Mary Mann/The Epoch Times)
Yulia and John Homewood found Shen Yun Performing Arts’ performance in London a nice experience, especially the introductions given by the male and female hosts. “We didn’t expect that format, to be honest,” Mr. Homewood said. “It’s really nice that they (are) introducing every single performance and give it like a story. So it’s very easy to understand.”
Mrs. Homewood, an accountant, said, “I’ve really enjoyed it, as well, to be honest.” She said she really liked the dance of the long sleeves, and Mr. Homewood, who is in finance, agreed. “So beautiful,” he said.
Mr. Homewood was amazed at how wonderful the 3D animated backdrop made the story come to life. “Wow, this is amazing. I didn’t expect that as well. The dancers were so like massively able to jump in? You don’t even realize—it’s like you cannot catch the moment. It’s so realistic as if they’re actually able to jump into 3D, and then it continues so nicely.”
Mr. Homewood was not aware of China’s deep spiritual heritage. “I didn’t even know before this performance.” He said he could resonate with the divine message the performers conveyed. “Definitely, that energy that they’ve been able to bring it to their performance.”
He sent a sincere sentiment of gratitude to the performers. “Thank you so much. It’s such an amazing job. And they just bring that brightness that sort of real light ray of sunlight to me and London. Beautiful—lots of positive energy.”
With shows scheduled in over 200 cities and across five continents, the 2024 touring season is shaping up to be the artists’ busiest yet.
