English National Ballet Retired Lead Dancer Describes Shen Yun as "Flawless" and "Magical"
(Clearwisdom.net) AUSTIN, Texas--A legendary lead dancer of the English National Ballet company, Kenn Wells, was swept off his feet after a "magical" performance by Shen Yun Performing Arts world-premiere of classical Chinese dance and music.
"All magical, very magical ... It inspired me to feel lighter, not too much stuck to the ground," he said.
Kenn Wells was swept off his feet after a "magical" performance by Shen Yun Performing Arts world-premiere of classical Chinese dance and music. (The Epoch Times)
Mr. Wells was attending the presentation held at Austin's Long Center for the Performing Arts on August 7, 2010.
He said that in 1976, the English dance company was the first to go to China after the cultural revolution, and he stayed on to teach in Shanghai and at the Beijing Academy of Dance.
The former dancer was amazed by the New York-based company's professionalism. "This is absolutely number one, the top one in the world, absolutely the best--no other company or of any style can match this," he said.
Accompanied by a full orchestral complement of world-class musicians and a trio of vocalists, Shen Yun brings China's divinely-inspired cultural traditions into the 21st century for today's audiences to enjoy.
Breathtakingly costumed dancers move in synchronized patterns, perfectly choreographed to depict beloved Chinese legends, folkloric tales and modern stories of astounding courage.
"The dance was fantastic, very disciplined, very subtle. Ladies are so light, so beautiful; men are so strong. The entire dance has so much discipline ... amazing. You can't criticize anything. There is not one mistake--it is flawless, absolutely."
Mr. Wells was stunned by the integration of the digital backdrop into scenes that moved seamlessly from one performance to the next in ways he had never seen before. "The whole idea is so amazing ... it was very clever."
He praised Shen Yun for its authenticity. "The show is traditional and brand new. It is absolutely one hundred percent traditional--but it's new, it is very fresh," he enthused.
"It is just so much physical and mental beauty, and full of spiritual expression. It is so incredible, flawless, very impressive."
Story-based dance is integral to the show and one such piece, "Nothing Can Block the Divine Path," reveals the ongoing persecution of the peaceful spiritual practice of Falun Gong in China.
Mr. Wells expressed his disappointment that Shen Yun could not perform in China, as some dances expose the Chinese communist regime's continued eleven-year crackdown on its citizens, children and parents alike.
"The show is so nice and it showed Chinese people's spirit, and makes other people love China, Chinese culture, and respect these people, why the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) would interfere with this, is a shame."
Meanwhile, Mr. Wells concluded, "I hope the [Shen Yun] company will continue to teach more people."
Shen Yun Performing Arts will next appear at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta for two shows on Aug. 21. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org