GOLD COAST, Australia—Global company manager Joanne Simonelli was moved to tears as she stepped out of Shen Yun Performing Arts’ sold-out matinee on March 1, at the HOTA Home of the Arts.
“It was amazing. It was breathtaking in some parts. It actually made me cry,” she said. “The artistry was amazing. They were beautiful.”
Based in New York, Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company dedicated to reviving China’s rich culture, nearly lost under decades of communist rule.
Ms. Simonelli deeply appreciated this aspect of the performance.
“It made you feel like you’re a part of the stories,” she said. “Understanding the cultural significance and knowing what’s happening [in China,] and all of those trials and tribulations coming through to today [was very moving.]”
The most memorable moment for Ms. Simonelli was the finale story-dance. The piece conveyed a hopeful message: when we uphold traditional moral values and treat each other with kindness, the divine will aid us in times of trouble.
Having loved ones in heaven, she said the piece allowed her to feel a deep connection with the divine.
“I kept saying to the person sitting next to me, it’s quite disappointing that they can’t perform this in their own country because it’s obviously significant,” she said. “Showing that their culture is still part of their lives, I think it’s very important.”
She encouraged the artists to continue their efforts despite the hardships they face.
“Just keep going,” Ms. Simonelli said. “We’re here to support you. I’m sure there will be thousands of people that will be able to see [your performance.]”
Shen Yun is so unique because “it makes you a part of the show. You feel like you’re going along the journey with all the different stories, and listening to the narrators tell the story before [getting] the actual visual perspective is amazing.”
