Epoch Times: Spectacular Opens to Sell-Out Audience in London

LONDON—Roaring applause filled the halls of one of Britain's premier cultural venues as the Chinese Spectacular opened to a packed audience. Almost every seat in London's Royal Festival Hall was taken as the Divine Performing Arts dance company began its UK leg of their tour.

Letina Shiels, from Kingston, whose mother is Chinese, said that it was wonderful to learn more about her culture. "It was really, really nice. I've never been to a performance like this before; it was different from anything I've ever seen before.

"It is really interesting to learn more about my culture."

Audience members view the opening night performance of the Shen Yun Chinese Spectacular at London's Royal Festival Hall Friday night.

Tong Buchan, a banker from London, also comes from Chinese descent. She said: "It's all very traditional. I brought my mother here tonight and she loves it. "My favourite were the Mongolian dancers. It must be really hard to balance those bowls on your head."

Divine Performing Arts, a group of over 100 soloists, dancers, orchestra members and support staff, arrived in the capital on Thursday night after performing in Frankfurt, Druisberg and The Hague. The show aims to reflect the beauty of Chinese culture and recounts tales of China's heritage.

Tom Cullis, who works at Middlesex University, is a long-term admirer of Chinese culture. He said: "I loved the way the background interacted with the dancers. The most expressive performance for me was the story of Yue Fei.

"I also liked the sea fairies dance, and way they made the waves with their fans."

The show, which has been almost entirely sold out except for seats with obstructed views, will continue till Sunday after a matinee and evening performance on Saturday.

After that the company will continue the tour to Paris, Geneva and Vienna.