Strong Turnout From Schools for Shen Yun

SYDNEY—There were some concerns that interference from China's mainland would deter schools from attending some performances of Shen Yun Prforming Arts International Company in Australia. Nevertheless, there was a strong turnout of Sydney school children at the special Wednesday matinee session at the Capitol Theatre, Feb. 23.

The New York-based company comprised of ethnic Chinese from around the world, including the mainland, is not afraid to portray scenes concerning contemporary China as well as the ancient myths and tales of China’s 5,000 year history.
 
School children ranging in ages from primary to secondary Years 11 and 12, were transfixed, cheering in the spectacular opening scene When Kings Followed the Creator to the Earth and laughing at Pigsy’s antics in the scene The Monkey King Outwits Pigsy.

In the audience were two friends at opposite ends of the age spectrum. Retired now, Mrs. Parkavasa and Mrs. Jan Johnson brought their expertise to describe their Shen Yun experience.

Mrs. Parkavasa found the Chinese traditions new, but loved the dancing having studied classical Indian dancing as a young student.

"“I think people who have never been to China—to see for this time, it is exciting,” she said. “At the same time, the dancers are beautiful, dancing very gracefully. I know about Indian dancing I can tell, I use to dance myself,  Bharatnatyam … The colourful precision work. Fantastic,” she said.

Jan Johnson also loved the dancing saying: “I am really enjoying it, the precision of the dancers, they look so young, but it must have taken so much practice,” she said.

For Mrs. Johnson, however, it was the costumes that were most intriguing. She still makes costumes for high school performances and is trained as a teacher of dressmaking.

“Oh I am getting ideas,” she said, “I can appreciate the work in the costumes, the way they fall and the type of fabrics they use.”

Both enjoyed the music played by the unique Shen Yun Orchestra, Mrs. Parkavas describing it as “very pleasing”  and Mrs. Johnson as “relaxing, it puts you at ease.”

They were both happy that Australian children were being given the opportunity to see a different culture.

“They should be exposed to every kind of dancing and tradition and culture of other countries,” Mrs. Parkavas said.

Shen Yun was particularly pleasing to see as it portrayed the general history of China, she said. And she also acknowledged the ancient spiritual discipline Falun Gong which is intrinsically connected.

“That I like, I think it is good, they should continue,” she concluded.

Shen Yun International Company has one more performance this evening at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre before leaving for Melbourne for shows from March 1—6. For more information visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org