EDINBURGH, U.K.—Dancer and university lecturer Glenda Watson and music teacher Christine Inkster were thrilled to attend Shen Yun Performing Arts’ matinee at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Feb. 10.
The two friends had hoped to see the performance in previous years, but tickets had sold out before they were able to secure seats.
“It’s so unique. The water sleeves—I thought was fabulous, I’ve never seen anything like that. The dancers almost float in the air. Their technique It’s so unusual, so gorgeous.”
Unlike the modern, military-influenced styles often seen in China today, Shen Yun preserves and performs this tradition in its most authentic form, as it was originally passed down through generations.
The piece Ms. Watson referred to, ‘Water Sleeves,’ features long, flowing sleeves that billowed and rippled like the gentle movement of water on stage. According to the company’s website, these sleeves were a part of ancient Chinese feminine attire representing humility and grace.
“The persecution piece was very emotional,” Ms. Inkster shared. “It’s hard to believe that this is still happening to people.”
Ms. Watson, too, enjoyed the spiritual dimension of the performance. She found the tenor’s solo especially moving.
“I love that, it was very moving,” she said. “The one before that, about the persecution for the beliefs, it was moving, and it was sad.”
As intermission drew to a close, Ms. Inkster was eager to see what the second half of the show would bring.
Each year, Shen Yun presents a brand-new set of choreography and musical compositions, ensuring that both new and returning audience members are always in for a surprise.
