On April 17, Shen Yun Performing Arts returned to a packed house at the prestigious Palais des Congrès in Paris for the second night of its 2025 European tour. The New York-based company drew in audience members from far and wide, captivating attendees with a mesmerizing blend of classical Chinese dance and music, vibrant backdrops, a live symphony orchestra, and stories that reached beyond art into truth and culture.
Among those in attendance was Belgian art pattern designer Thierry Antoine, who traveled from Belgium with his wife, Yvette Muller, just to attend the show. “Shen Yun’s performance is of an extraordinary standard,” said Antoine, adding, “The art, the colors, the costumes, and the classical Chinese dance are all astonishing. I was deeply drawn in.”
‘Incredibly beautiful’
His wife was equally moved and visibly emotional following the performance. “Shen Yun is unbelievably beautiful! I often watch ballet performances, but when I saw the Chinese classical dance movements by Shen Yun’s dancers, I felt their technique was unparalleled,” said Muller.
She was particularly touched by the opening piece, “The Creation Begins,” which depicts the Creator leading divine beings to Earth to begin a new era. “When I saw the Creator leading the divine beings to Earth, I felt a strong energy. The dance drama had an aura — pure and sacred — and led me into a world full of divinity. It moved me deeply,” she said.
The couple was so impressed that they brought several Shen Yun brochures to share with friends and family back home in Belgium. “We plan to see Shen Yun every year,” they said. Muller expressed sadness that Shen Yun cannot perform in China due to government censorship. “Shen Yun also helped me understand the persecution of Falun Gong happening in China. That made me very sad. The communist regime has destroyed 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture. The artists of Shen Yun are undertaking a sacred mission to revive this culture.”
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Founded in 2006, Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company. The company aims to revive 5,000 years of traditional culture and values through immersive performances that showcase China’s heritage prior to the ravages of communism. The company currently has eight equally-sized troupes that tour and perform simultaneously across the globe; treating audiences to an entirely new production each and every year.
‘Deeply moving’
Another audience member, Ms. Bourguignon, a former computer science teacher, praised Shen Yun’s visual and musical artistry. “The dancers were graceful yet energetic. The costumes were exquisite, and the music was delightful,” said Bourguignon, adding, “The 3D digital backdrop was amazing — it made you feel that Heaven and Earth were truly connected. The live orchestra was also incredibly striking. The whole show was deeply moving.”
What impacted her the most, however, was one of the dance dramas portraying the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. The scene depicted a man who loses his sight due to torture, yet clings to his faith and ultimately reunites with his wife. “I learned that Shen Yun cannot perform in China due to the regime, but their performers helped us understand the tragedies that are happening there. It awakens people. I hope Shen Yun can pass this message on to everyone around the world.”
Shen Yun’s shows aspire to do more than just entertain — they strive to enlighten the audience on happenings in present-day China under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and convey the virtues that existed prior to the regime’s rise to power. The performances offer a distinct outlook on the human spirit and emphasizes the importance of not taking liberties like free speech and religious freedom for granted.
‘Full of positive energy’
Reflecting on the values conveyed in the show, Bourguignon added, “Humanity must look to the future, but not abandon history. I believe Shen Yun is especially important for the younger generation, because what it presents encourages deep reflection.”
Before leaving the venue, she told reporters that she would “absolutely encourage” her friends and family to see the performance. “Shen Yun is a performance full of hope and positive energy. It’s a must-see!”
Another inspired attendee was Olesya Khomenko, an IT project manager who had long heard about Shen Yun’s reputation. “The dancers were outstanding, and the live orchestra was amazing. The colors on stage were so pleasant to the eyes,” she said.
‘Universal human values’
Khomenko was struck by the show’s portrayal of traditional Chinese culture and its underlying values. “Chinese traditional culture is one of the oldest in the world. It’s an invaluable heritage, and losing it would be heartbreaking. Shen Yun conveys universal human values through this culture.”
She also learned about the persecution of Falun Gong during the performance. “That is shocking! That’s a crime!” she said, adding that she admired the courage of the Shen Yun performers in bringing this to light.
As Shen Yun continues its 2025 European tour, its performances in Paris serve not only as a celebration of classical Chinese artistry but also as a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and the importance of cultural preservation. For many in the audience, Shen Yun was more than just a performance — it was a revelation.
For more information on Shen Yun’s 2025 world tour, including FAQs, upcoming performances, and ticketing information, please visit the official website here.
