University Dance Dance Student: Shen Yun ‘Really amazing’

An enthusiastic audience gathered at the Capitol Theatre on Wednesday, Feb. 16 for Shen Yun Performing Art’s matinee show.
University Dance Dance Student: Shen Yun ‘Really amazing’
The New York-based dance and performance group has timed its annual Australian season to coincide with Chinese New Year festivities this year, performing at the Capitol Theatre during the month of February. (The Epoch Times)
2/15/2011
Updated:
10/1/2015
<a><img src="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/09/2011_poster.jpg" alt="The New York-based dance and performance group has timed its annual Australian season to coincide with Chinese New Year festivities this year, performing at the Capitol Theatre during the month of February. (The Epoch Times)" title="The New York-based dance and performance group has timed its annual Australian season to coincide with Chinese New Year festivities this year, performing at the Capitol Theatre during the month of February. (The Epoch Times)" width="320" class="size-medium wp-image-1808259"/></a>
The New York-based dance and performance group has timed its annual Australian season to coincide with Chinese New Year festivities this year, performing at the Capitol Theatre during the month of February. (The Epoch Times)
SYDNEY—An enthusiastic audience gathered at the Capitol Theatre on Wednesday, Feb. 16 for Shen Yun Performing Art’s matinee show. The responsive applause led to two curtain calls, yet the people wanted more.

One young lady who attended, Jessica Sheather, from the Sydney’s East Hills, is currently studying dance at the University of Technology in Sydney.

Ms. Sheather studies dance as a subject, yet also enjoys it as a recreational sport to maintain fitness, strength and flexibility.

From her experience in dance, Ms. Sheather recognised that Classical Chinese dance has it’s unique qualities, from the male dancer’s buoyant leaps and bounds, to the tenderness of the female dancers.

Ms. Sheather said, “Some of the jumps and athleticism from the boys were amazing. I recognised some techniques, but others were just a new style of dance to watch, it was really amazing.”

In China’s ancient past, there is an emphasis on costuming, so dancers look regal and splendid as if dancing for the royal court. Shen Yun Performing Arts allows the audience to relive this history by creating dazzling costumes, which are painstakingly handmade to every detail.

“It was amazing, the colour especially—it was stunning to watch,” she said.

One dance that particularly stood out for Ms. Sheather was Plum Blossom where the ladies danced with bright pink fans. The patterning on the fans made a shimmering effect as they gently fluttered in the air.

As part of her dance studies, Ms. Sheather is required to learn about the cultural heritage of other nationalities around the world, see their dance and understand their culture. Shen Yun gave her a rich and educational insight into China’s past, including the refined art forms of dance, song and, of course, the traditional instruments, which were played by the Shen Yun International Company’s orchestra.

“It gave me an insight into other cultural dances. To physically watch it live is different to reading about it, so it really impacted on me.” she said.

Reporting by NTD Television and Chani Blue.

Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company will present performances in Sydney, Australia, at the Capital Theatre from Feb. 8 to 23. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts

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