SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Animated Backdrop Adds Much to Shen Yun’s Live Performance, Couple Says

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Animated Backdrop Adds Much to Shen Yun’s Live Performance, Couple Says
Reynold and Jane Atack Lee attended the Shen Yun performance at Royal & Derngate, in Northampton, U.K., on Jan. 19, 2024. Chloe Hsiao/The Epoch Times

NORTHAMPTON, U.K.—Reynold and Jane Atack Lee enjoyed a performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts at Royal & Derngate in Northampton on Jan. 19.

Mrs. Lee described Shen Yun as “brilliant” in many aspects: “It’s very, very good. Costumes are brilliant, dancing’s brilliant, music’s brilliant—really impressive,” she said.

Shen Yun’s patented use of digital animation backdrops astonished the Lees. “The animation adds very much to the live performance on the stage,” Mrs. Lee said.

Mr. Lee, a human resource director, was impressed at how “the people go over those steps, then follow [into the screen].”

Shen Yun’s themes express how traditional cultures are inspired by the divine.

“We’re not particularly spiritual ourselves, but it’s very interesting to get an appreciation for those cultures [which have spiritual beliefs] and the history of those cultures as well,” Mrs. Lee said.

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.

“It’s right to keep [traditional culture] alive,” Mr. Lee said.

Mrs. Lee expressed her appreciation for the performers and everyone at Shen Yun. “Thank you. Massively hard work and well done. Just keep going and carry on and bring this to other people.”

Former Dancer Eager to See Shen Yun Dance Performances

Paul Luke attended the Shen Yun performance at Royal & Derngate in Northampton, U.K., on Jan. 19, 2024. (Chloe Hsiao/The Epoch Times)
Paul Luke attended the Shen Yun performance at Royal & Derngate in Northampton, U.K., on Jan. 19, 2024. Chloe Hsiao/The Epoch Times
Paul Luke, director for Apple retail in Europe, said he also enjoyed the Shen Yun experience. As a former dancer, he said he loves dance from around the world, “so, you know, I was desperate to see this.”

The opening sequence excited Mr. Luke.

“I was very excited for it to happen,” he said. “It was very vibrant and good to see.”

He especially enjoyed the piece “Sleeves of Grace” with the long sleeves. “That was very good, I think, because the way they’re able to move the sleeves, bring them in, push them out again ... very good.”

Shen Yun’s mission to revive 5,000 years of traditional culture to showcase “China before communism.”
“I think it’s important to tell the story and make sure people understand it because people see things from lots of different perspectives. So I think being able to tell a story in a different way and trying to educate people is super important.”
Mr. Luke said, after watching Shen Yun, he resonated with the message that community is vital: “The importance of respecting each other: it is really important to understand where we’ve been in the journey, and making sure we take the best bits and carry them forward.”
With shows scheduled in over 200 cities and across five continents, the 2024 touring season is shaping up to be the artists’ busiest yet.

Mr. Luke was impressed with the orchestra and said, “That was one of the first things I looked at. I think the combination of a live orchestra and dance is amazing and so good to see.”

Reporting by Chloe Hsiao and Yvonne Marcotte.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
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