Shen Yun ‘deserve a medal’, Says Former Australian Ballerina

MELBOURNE, Australia– Former ballerina Kristine Whorlaw had not heard of the Shen Yun Performing Arts but now that she has seen one of its shows, her memories gleaned will be hard to forget. She saw the company at Melbourne’s Arts Centre State Theatre on May 29. “I thought it was absolutely wonderful. I was stunned, quite frankly,” Ms. Whorlaw said. “The dancing was amazing, quite marvellous, really. I think the fluidity of the movement of the female dancers, mixed with the vibrant acrobatics of the male dancers… oh, the coordination was just fantastic. I don’t know who does the getting them all together and all the training, but I think they deserve a medal.”

Even more than the technical quality, the emotional content spoke to her.

Ms. Whorlaw said Shen Yun had “absolutely world class dancers,” while her husband, Mr. Trousdale, mused about the depth of the show he couldn’t quite pinpoint. “It was a message that was … it was a subtle message, but I think it was given with a tremendous amount of feeling and sincerity. That’s what I felt. It wasn’t really pushing the theme, or the idea, but the message came out clearly, very simply, and it was very nicely done.”

His wife agreed, saying the feeling “was extremely sincere.”

“I think the audience would have been impressed by that. And I think the message gave the impression that the members of the company were very sincere and dedicated, and really believed in what they’re doing and in their own personal beliefs.”

Ms. Whorlaw said she could see how Chinese classical dance influenced other dance forms, saying she was “extremely impressed” with not only the emotional depiction of the different stories, but also the technique, and choreography.”

Story-based dances adapted from beloved Chinese legends, folkloric traditions and modern day stories of astounding courage, are one of the trademarks of Shen Yun.

“I had to sit upright in my chair, as my husband will tell you, and look at some of the choreography, because as he said, it had great fluidity and agility and ease. So I think it was extremely impressive.”…… (more details from The Epochtimes)

Related:
– (video) Shen Yun in Australia, New Zealand 2009: Reviews, Comments and Feedback from Audience