NORTHAMPTON, UK—Alison Parry, senior new homes executive, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on Jan. 21 at Royal & Derngate.
“It was really quite breathtaking. It really was a fantastic example of Chinese culture—the dance, the music, the visuals, it’s just stunning,” Ms. Parry said.
Words are powerful, but Ms. Parry believes that words cannot do justice to the beauty of Shen Yun.
“I don’t think anyone can do it justice just by describing the show. It is something that you need to see—the colors, the dance, even the singing, everything, every single part of the show slots so nicely together, and it creates this amazing picture, this amazing journey. And I can’t recommend it enough,” Ms. Parry said.
Shen Yun, based in New York, is on a mission to present “China before communism,” and revive people’s connection with 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and culture.
“I think Chinese culture is really fascinating because they are spiritual, they are really disciplined, and they’re always wanting to be the best versions of themselves. Honor, and, kindness, and pride—such a big thing in Chinese culture. It’s something to be inspired by. That was perfectly demonstrated in today’s show,” Ms. Parry said.
Shen Yun’s artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.
“For me, the thing that stood out the most is the discipline. [It] was really obvious in how synchronized they were, how the expression of dance, how they really told a story, but without using words,” Ms. Parry said.
Shen Yun’s website states that Classical Chinese dance training includes three main components—technical skill, form, and bearing, which is one of the many ways that Classical Chinese dance is different from ballet.
“You could tell from the way that the dancing and the scenes and the visuals, it really took you through that journey and timeline. As an audience member, you went in that moment. You weren’t in present day—you were in the time,” Ms. Parry said.
Ms. Parry was highly impressed with the Water Sleeves dance and the way the long sleeves were used.
“I really enjoyed seeing the floating sleeve dresses—to be able to keep in unison with one another was amazing. To demonstrate the fluidity and the elegance, I thought that was amazing,” she said.
Shen Yun promotes traditional values and human integrity. Ms. Parry shared that she was inspired by the performance.
“I think they’re really inspiring. They really show that if you are kind, good will come to you, and if you are hopeful, things will turn out for the good. That was really obvious. I want to go out and be a little bit better and see the kindness. It’s amazing how something like that can really kind of impact you,” Ms. Parry said.
