‘Breathtaking’: Aussies Captivated by Shen Yun’s Revival of Ancient Chinese Culture

March 2, 2024

Shen Yun Performing Arts kicked off its Australia tour last week, performing at the Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts from Feb. 23 to 25.

“Definitely piqued my interest in ancient Chinese culture,” Psychologist Nathan Marriage said after watching Shen Yun perform at HOTA in the Gold Coast on Feb. 25.

Letitia Huston, Global Wholesale Manager for Lorna Jane, a company specializing in women’s activewear, said she was surprised to see how Shen Yun showcased various aspects of traditional Chinese culture.  “I think the one that probably brought the most amount of emotion was the one about devotion,” Ms. Huston said. “We could actually see the seasons changing, and you could feel the emotion of two people that love each other, being so far apart.”

“So it was wonderful to come and see Shen Yun, because I think the Chinese, they’re so well rounded, they’re not just classical dances, they’re acrobatics, they’re so comedic, there’s a bit of a mixture of wushu, kung fu in it. So I really loved it, it was great to see it,” Ms. Huston said.

Shen Yun’s mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture, which was said by ancient Chinese people to be “divinely inspired.” For 5,000 years, the idea of harmony between Heaven, Earth, and humankind was the central belief in Chinese society.

“I don’t think I’ve seen divinity absolutely portrayed so beautifully on stage before,” interior designer Lara Coleman said.

While her husband, Jeff Coleman, said, “There’s so much commonality between the way that traditionally Chinese people and Western culture view divinity and having a Creator. All of us need saving—and that was very encouraging.”

Fran Avon, CEO of the Rural Doctors Foundation said watching Shen Yun reminded her of her own spiritual beliefs.  “Having been brought up a Christian, I’m very conscious of having something that is bigger than us, and something that is looking out for us. And I think it’s lovely to be reminded of that.”

Mr. Marriage added, “It’s visually spectacular and I think it delivers a nice message as well.”

Shen Yun will next visit Brisbane, Bendigo, Canberra, Sydney, and Perth.

NTD News, Gold Coast, Australia.