(Minghui.org) Shen Yun Performing Arts began its 2016 Asia-Pacific tour on January 30 at The Regal Theatre in Perth, Australia. Audience members have consistently expressed deep appreciation for Shen Yun's dedication to reviving an ancient civilization and sharing it with the world.
Following nine shows in Perth, the company traveled to two major cities in New Zealand, Wellington and Auckland, for seven more performances – many of them to full houses. Shen Yun will perform in five other cities in Australia from February 20 through March 13.
Prime Minister of New Zealand Welcomes Shen Yun Back
John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand
Prime Minister John Key welcomed Shen Yun to New Zealand once again, for the company's 9th visit: “I would like to welcome the Shen Yun Performing Arts group to New Zealand, ahead of their performances in Auckland and Wellington in February 2016.
“I’m sure New Zealanders will enjoy this impressive production and the opportunity to experience and gain a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture, dance, and music,” the Prime Minister stated.
Australian Elected Officials Extend Greetings
Elected officials including Senator Dean Smith (upper left), Senator Joe Bullock (upper right), Senator Melissa Parke (lower left), Western Australian Treasurer Mike Nahan (lower center), and Bill Johnston MLA (lower right) sent letters of greeting to Shen Yun Performing Arts and commended their efforts to revive China's traditional culture.
Federal Member: “Highest Standard of Dance”
The Honorable Melissa Parke, Federal Member for Fremantle
“It was an absolutely spectacular performance of the highest standard of dance,” said Melissa Parke, Federal Member for Fremantle.
“The dancing and the beautiful performances are very, very uplifting for the soul. It just left you feeling happy and serene,” she commented.
Ms. Parke also thought Shen Yun was the “perfect” channel to understand ancient Chinese culture, remarking that it was “really beneficial” to her.
“You have to see this. You won’t see this anywhere else. It’s the most beautiful performance,” was her message to others.
“An Overwhelming Experience”
Peter Abetz, Member of the Western Australian Parliament for Southern River
“It was absolutely wonderful,” said Mr. Peter Abetz, Member of the Western Australian Parliament for Southern River since 2006. “It was an overwhelming experience.
“The beauty of the movements, the colors of the costumes, the gracefulness of it all combine to create something very unique.”
Mr. Abetz was also impressed with Shen Yun's live music: “They say music is the language of the heart and soul, and is something that touches you quite deeply.”
“Brilliant” and “Outstanding”
John McGrath, Liberal Party Member for South Perth
“Brilliant, exciting, very energetic,” were the words used by John McGrath, Liberal Party Member for South Perth, to convey his impression of the performance. “And the graphics are outstanding,” he added.
“I think for Australians to see the culture and the history of a place like China is so different for us, because we are such a young country—to see a culture that goes back thousands of years [and] to learn that Chinese dance was the origin for many forms of gymnastics,” said Mr. McGrath.
MLA: “Making a Difference to the World”
Tony Krsticevic, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Western Australia
“Fantastic! It was an amazing show,” said Tony Krsticevic, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Western Australia. To him, Shen Yun “gave you hope and encouraged you to believe.
“I would say that it is inspirational, and it is full of energy and vibrancy. It has a very, very important story to tell. It is worth going to see … and take away something very important.”
The MLA remarked, “I feel inspired to try to be more good, to try to help make the world a better place. [Shen Yun is] making a difference to the world around us.”
Roger Cook, MLA, and his wife Carly Lane, an arts curator
“It’s spectacular. I really enjoyed the dancing. Incredible skills and grace,” said Mr. Roger Cook, a Member of the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Cook was particularly impressed when the Shen Yun commentators said that athleticism and tumbling techniques came from classical Chinese dance. He thought that part of the show was “incredibly exciting and a great display.”
“Way Above My Expectations”
Pharmacist Trang Nguyen and her husband Hugh
Trang Nguyen, a pharmacist who attended the performance with her husband Hugh, was “blown away” by the Shen Yun orchestra's blending of Eastern and Western instruments. “It was amazing,” she said.
Mr. Nguyen was also impressed. “Pretty extraordinary, pretty overwhelming...It was actually way above my expectations,” he said.
“Enjoyable” and “Spectacular”
City councilor of Lower Hutt Max Shierlaw, representing Mayor Ray Wallace at the performance in Wellington, New Zealand on February 17
“A really enjoyable show... It’s really spectacular,” said City Councilor Max Shierlaw, who was representing Mayor Ray Wallace at the performance in Wellington.
This was the third time that Mr. Shierlaw had seen Shen Yun. He said, “Deep down it’s got a very spiritual message: We all descended from heaven, and there’s a greater being elsewhere.”
He also noted that the performers were very passionate about what they were doing. “Really, the passion—it really does come through very strongly in the performances and the individual dances,” he remarked.
Shen Yun will perform in Melbourne February 20-24, Brisbane February 26-28, and Toowoomba on March 2. For more information on tickets and dates, please visit http://shenyun.com.
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