(Clearwisdom.net) Shen Yun Performing Arts played for an enthusiastic Sydney audience on Thursday, April 23. This year Shen Yun is holding a total of eight shows in Australia's largest city.

Singer and Musician: "Never seen anything like this before"

Mr. O'Leary, a singer and a musician, saw the show for the first time and loved it, saying, "[I have] never seen anything like this before, so it is quite new and fresh for me. Very enjoyable." Mr. O'Leary has been writing songs since the age of 14, when he first picked up the guitar, and now plays at popular venues in Australia and has recently also performed in the United States.

Mr. O'Leary, a singer and musician

He said, "Very nice, it's got that traditional sound, Chinese music. Very nicely orchestrated and great compositions."

Mr. O'Leary was quite moved by the dance "Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution." "I quite like the story of the father, trying to stick to his beliefs with his meditation. Yes, quite a moving piece there. I found that quite interesting."

He found it great to get an insight into some of the different regions of China. He said, "Great dancing ... some great technique. The two singers were amazing too, very enjoyable."

Ballet dancer: "I feel really exhilarated"

Kate, a ballet dancer, was delighted to experience a different style of dance, a style that's new to the Western world. She said, "I feel really exhilarated, uplifted, and moved very much in my heart and spirit. [I feel] very vibrant. I am feeling it [the beat of the music and the dancers' movements]. And from what I see [of] the beauty and the magnificence, I feel the energy, the land, and the people."

"Yes! I love Chinese classical dance, the drumming, and the costumes. ... It's very majestic, graceful ... the scenery and everything. The costumes--beautiful! It really captures the culture, the art, and the beauty. The music is beautiful. It's such a privilege to see this. I come from a performing arts background, and I've practiced yoga, tai chi, qigong, and moving into classical ballet and dance. Now I'm teaching."

She started her dance career when she was young, about 20 years ago. "That's why I feel it in my body. All the moves, the lifts in the air ... I'm just having a retreat, a rest this year nursing some injuries--taking that time to heal, do other things and come to appreciate ... Already my body is feeling better [she laughs] and charged. I feel very honored."

Lately she has been doing other things, including traveling and working with "lots of students in the local community center. I told them already about [Shen Yun] in class tonight and at work today, and for sure, I'll bring some brochures back," she said.

She said, "Last year I wanted to come and was very sad I couldn't. It was sold out. So, when I went to Chinatown on Sunday, I got the brochure and said, 'Yes! I can book it now' and so that was great. I got up close."

Evonne, an artist who paints ceramics, was glad she had the opportunity to see Shen Yun. "It's beautiful, very beautiful. ... I didn't come with any expectations. Well, very beautiful, very poetic, very brave, and very emotional. Yes. It was very revealing too in how sad it is--the situation," referring to the persecution of Falun Gong, depicted in "Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution."

Music Director thought the ensemble was very impressive

Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were at Sydney's debut performance held on Sunday, April 19. "I think it's very, very well staged. I thought the use of the screen was wonderful," said Mr. Cooper, a music director.

Mr. and Mrs. Cooper

Mrs. Cooper, who was born in China, said, "I think it's excellent. It's well-choreographed, the music was good, the scenery was beautiful, [and] the costumes were superb."

Mrs. Cooper added, "I think it brings out the idea of the history of China, the deep spirituality of the Chinese culture--it's almost a religion. It's not formal ... but the spiritual part is very important in the culture. Yes, I think that came out very well. I prefer the acting ... particularly in Monkey King, [The Monkey King Triumphs]. I see that it actually was telling a story. It's giving a message through a story, and it has a much bigger impact than just dance. I think it's drama as well as action and music."

Mr. Cooper said, "There was what we call 'ensemble'--everyone was together. I thought that was very impressive."

Source: http://theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/15822/
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