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LONDON—In-between their busy performing schedule, the Shen Yun Performing Arts performers toured historical London on March 5. Under a bright sky, they explored Big Ben, Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and London Bridge.
It was Shen Yun Principal Dancer Tim Wu’s first time in Europe.
“I grew up in the United States and have never been to Europe. I am very glad to see all the ancient buildings here. Also the audiences in London are very enthusiastic. While performing, we can see from a short distance audience’s countenances. I can feel that the audiences were not just watching our performances, they were really enjoying the show. I hope I can bring to London Shen Yun’s best wishes [on stage],” said Mr. Wu.
Chen Yungchia, currently Shen Yun choreographer and principal dancer, previously instructed and choreographed Chinese classical dance at various other institutions.
“Previously I simply got involved in Chinese culture, yet Shen Yun manifested China’s divinely-imparted culture. It’s purer and more traditional,” he said.
From March 3 to March 7, Shen Yun staged seven shows at the New London Theatre.
“Actually on stage I become very energetic, because I want to display vibrancy to the audiences. As long as you dance with your heart on stage, the audiences will definitely be touched,” said Mr. Wu.
Mr. Chen, looking at the many young dancers of Shen Yun, said, “The young performers mastered the inner meaning of traditional culture. They have a lot of potential. More importantly, I think it’s because they encompass a heart of admiration for the divinely-imparted culture.”
Shen Yun New York Company presented two dances that reflect the persecution of Falun Gong in modern China, Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution and Dignity and Compassion. Mr. Wu, the lead dancer for both of these programs, said, “Chinese classical dance requires inner feeling and expression. So I [if] use my heart to dance, it will then move the audience.”
Mr. Wu said that while dancing in another Tibetan piece, Dance of the Snow-Capped Mountain, “I just imagine that I am joyfully dancing in the snow-capped mountain.”
The two principal dancers said that the highly demanding movements, seemingly effortless, actually took a lot of practice.
“We had to practice a lot. We dance for ten hours a day, as practice is very important and also very hard sometimes. Everyone has been so devoted and therefore produced such [an] effect,” said Mr. Wu.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Shen Yun Performing Arts 2009 World Tour. For more information please visit shenyunperformingarts.org
