Interviews by Anna Lin
NEW YORK, New York — As Shen Yun kicks off its highly-anticipated annual run at Lincoln Center, audience members attending the shows shared a common sentiment: The performance was not only visually stunning but deeply meaningful, offering a window into traditional Chinese culture and values.
Founded in 2006, Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, showcasing the beauty and grace of ancient Chinese culture, arts, and traditions through immersive performances in dance, song, and music. Based in New York, the company is composed of an ensemble of talented artists from all around the world, including musicians, soloists, choreographers, and dancers, with the goal of reviving and promoting 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture and values prior to the ravages of communism. The company puts on a brand new production each year.
‘A beautiful show’
For Stepan Malinin, who attended the show on March 27 with his wife Katarina, the experience left a strong cultural impression. “It was a beautiful show… the costumes, design, colors, all amazing,” he said. “You’re sitting and you don’t see the time.” Beyond the striking visual appeal, Malinin emphasized a deeper takeaway. “First of all, I feel big respect to Chinese culture, to Chinese people.”
The couple, who own a coffee business, noted that this was their second time seeing Shen Yun. “I like the format much more,” Malinin said, praising how the storytelling enhanced the experience. Among the performances, the Mongolian dance stood out to him the most. “Because it’s very acrobatic… nice and vivid.” He also enjoyed the lighthearted Monkey King piece, calling it “funny and entertaining.”
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Aside from showcasing stunning choreography, acrobatics, and a live orchestra that combines traditional Western and classical Chinese instruments, Shen Yun’s performances also depict legends and historical stories from ancient China as well as modern tales of bravery and oppression taking place in China today.
‘It was fantastic’
Maria Alvarez, a retired fashion designer and former flower shop owner from Long Island, described the performance in simple but emphatic terms: “It was beautiful, so beautiful.” Having previously tried to see the show in Las Vegas, she was thrilled to finally see the show in New York City. “The history is perfect… fantastic,” she said, noting how the production helped her connect with Chinese culture.
Shen Yun’s use of a high-tech integrative, digital backdrop brings scenes from different dynasties, celestial realms, and ethnic regions to life; the show is also guided by two emcees who explain each segment in both English and Chinese, making each storyline more accessible to a wider audience.
Originally from Peru, Alvarez said the performance resonated on a personal level. When asked how the show made her feel, she said it made her feel “happy” and at peace. “This show helps you understand what Chinese culture really is.”
Shen Yun’s performances aim not only to entertain; some of the performing arts’ dance pieces showcase the bravery and resilience of oppressed individuals as they strive to maintain their beliefs in the face of immense adversity. These performances hope to raise awareness and educate audiences on important social and political issues, while providing a unique perspective on the human spirit and the importance of not taking certain freedoms for granted.
‘Lovely and cultural’
For Krystal Barrios, a practice administrator at a hospital, the performance was both educational and inspiring. “It was very lovely, very cultural. I learned a lot,” she said. Reflecting on the deeper message behind the show, Barrios added, “Their culture just doesn’t die… regardless of what’s going on… it’s lovely to see that they bring it over here.”
She was especially drawn to the water sleeve dance. “It was just so pretty to watch,” she said, also noting the appeal of the Mongolian dance and the Monkey King story.
Judith Tirado, who works in home care services, described the performance as “an amazing show, cultural and educational.” For her, the storytelling carried a powerful message. “They lost their democracy and they lost their freedom, but they they still expressed themselves with ,” she said.
When asked if any pieces stood out to her in particular, she said, “When they were fighting for freedom and they were flying in the air… it was magical.”
‘My spirits were uplifted’
First time Shen Yun attendee Frank Beharovic, a home care business owner and former gymnast by trade, said the performance left him feeling uplifted and inspired. “It was great, my spirits were uplifted in a way,” he said. He also appreciated the combination of tradition and athleticism. “The costumes, the performances, the dancing, the acrobatic moves.”
Drawing from his own background in gymnastics, Beharovic was especially impressed by the physicality of the dancers. His favorite piece was a story involving a mystical peach. “That one kind of caught my eye, but all of them were great.” When asked if he would recommend the show to family and friends, he said that he plans to return, “We will be coming back again next year.”
Belu Alejandro, who works as a flight attendant, said the performance’s values resonated most deeply with her. “It was beautiful and I really appreciated all the messages behind each of the scenes,” she said, adding, “The kindness, the values of goodness that you should have towards each other, that really came through.”
She also noted that each dance conveyed a meaningful lesson. “Each performance indicated a particular value… it showed the humanity that we forget and what’s really meaningful within each other.”
Visitors from abroad also shared their impressions after attending the show. Alena Varilova, visiting from Prague, described the performance as “beautiful,” highlighting its cultural richness and striking visuals that resonated beyond the stage. “I really loved the costumes and the connection to the visuals with the special effects from the backdrop.”
Shen Yun’s use of high-tech digital backdrops also helps to transport the audience to a whimsical world full of vibrant landscapes, celestial realms, and awe-inspiring landmarks. “It was nice to see the culture a little bit more,” said Varilova, adding that she particularly enjoyed “the costumes, the visuals, and the dance with the sleeves.”
Shen Yun will perform at Lincoln Center through April 12. For more information on Shen Yun Performing Arts, including FAQs and ticketing information, please visit the official website here.
