Interviews by Anna Lin and Nadia Ghattas
NEW YORK, New York — Audience members exiting Shen Yun at the city’s prestigious Lincoln Center described the performance as a stunning blend of technical mastery, spiritual reflection, and cultural storytelling. Founded in 2006, Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, showcasing the beauty and splendor of traditional Chinese culture and art prior to the ravages of communism. The New York-based company debuts a brand new production each year, resonating with theatergoers from all different backgrounds, professions, and walks of life.
From first-time attendees to returning fans, viewers consistently pointed to the show’s vivid artistry and deeper message as reasons the performance left such a deep impression on them.
A visual spectacle rooted in tradition
For Emma P., who attended Shen Yun for the first time with her husband Addler, the variety of classical Chinese dance quickly made a deep impression. “It’s very good,” she said, noting that “so many different dances” kept the performance engaging.
Among them, the water sleeve dance stood out to her the most. “It just was very pretty,” said Emma who works as a physical therapist. “They did a really good job with it.” Addler, who works in finance, said his favorite dance was “Journey to the West” because he “feels an affinity” with the Monkey King.
Success
You are now signed up for our newsletter
Success
Check your email to complete sign up
David Marrero, also a first-time viewer, echoed that sentiment, calling the production “beautiful and inspiring” while praising its visual harmony. “Everybody was in sync. It was well performed,” he said, adding that the costumes, including flowing fabrics and vibrant colors, enhanced the overall experience. “The clothing was beautiful… it was a great performance.”
Several audience members highlighted Shen Yun’s signature digital backdrop, which seamlessly blends animation with live performance.
Beyond the choreography, Shen Yun’s signature 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.
Marrero said the performance conveyed “peace” and “harmony,” adding that it reinforced his belief in being kind and doing good. “If you go through life thinking about beautiful things, beautiful things happen,” he said. “Do good and the good comes to you.”
Athleticism meets artistry
For George Goce Krstevski, a field service mechanic and martial artist from Macedonia, Shen Yun’s physical precision stood out immediately. “I was excited to see what they can do,” he said. “[The dancers] jumping, kicking, and everything, it’s out of this world. They train so much everyday.”
Drawing comparisons between classical Chinese dance and martial arts, Goce emphasized the discipline behind the performance. “It’s my way of living,” he said, noting that the movements reflect years of training and mastery.
He also pointed to the contrast between male and female performers as a defining feature between strength and grace. “The men are so powerful… and with the women, you can see the softness.” When asked what else stood out to him, Goce said he was struck by the visual elements. “When they wave the dresses, it stays like a picture,” he said. “It’s the beauty of it.”
Goce also reflected on the show’s spiritual dimension. “We become so materialist and we forget about our Creator,” he said, noting that the performance served as a reminder to reconnect with deeper values. When asked if he would recommend Shen Yun to family and friends, Goce said, “You should go, as soon as tomorrow.”
Stories that bridge cultures
Beyond technique, many attendees said Shen Yun’s immersive storytelling left a lasting impression. Goce described the performance as a gateway to understanding other cultures. “When you see another culture, then I remember my own culture,” he said. “It’s 5,000 years, it’s so exciting.”
Shen Yun’s performances aim not only to entertain, but also educate audiences on important social and political issues taking place in China today; all while providing a unique perspective on the human spirit and the importance of not taking certain freedoms for granted.
Marrero also noted the production’s portrayal of modern-day themes, including references to political repression. Many of Shen Yun’s performers and staff are practitioners of Falun Gong, a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline also known as Falun Dafa.
The faith was immensely popular in China prior to being banned and subject to severe repression by the CCP starting in 1999, with thousands of Falun Gong adherents arrested or even tortured in prison for refusing to denounce their faith. Because of the persecution, Shen Yun is not allowed to perform in mainland China.
Patrick Huang, known as a pillar of his community in both Taiwan and New York, said he was struck by the immersive effect of Shen Yun’s backdrop and choreography. “I thought each segment was very well done and easy to understand,” said Huang, adding that he particularly enjoyed the water sleeves dance.
Huang, an event organizer, also said the show’s message of not taking freedom for granted and “being a good person” stood out to him deeply. “This was our first time seeing the show,” said Huang, who attended Shen Yun’s performance with his wife. Huang noted that he was impressed with the show’s quality, storytelling, and hopes to bring his grandson to experience Shen Yun soon.
A ‘healing’ experience
A recurring theme among audience members was the show’s emphasis on spirituality, morality, and faith. For returning attendees Jessica and Margaret Marra, Shen Yun’s spiritual storytelling is part of what keeps them coming back year after year since 2021.
“I love the seamless way they connect the animation into the dance. It’s incredible,” said Jessica, describing the integrative backdrop that is woven into the choreography. “The timing is impeccable, [the way] they jump in and then all of a sudden [appear] at the exact time [on the screen.] It’s amazing how it’s so well done.”
When asked what stood out to them the most, Jessica, a special-ed teacher, said, “Kindness and love are most important.” She added, “Kindness and love are rewarded, and evil, bad, and wickedness are not,” noting that “with kindness, [people] can be saved — they find salvation through kindness.”
Jessica also lamented the fact that freedom of expression is infringed upon in countries like China. “In China right now, they don’t get to express religious beliefs or any religious background. So this is the opportunity to show so much of that culture.”
The mother and daughter described the performance not just as entertaining, but emotionally restorative. “It feels healing just to watch,” said Jessica. “The flow, it feels like a river.” When asked what stood out to her, she said, “the beautiful colors and the way everything just flows.”
Marra’s observation echoed others’ reactions to the water sleeve dance, which multiple audience members cited as a favorite. The movement of the fabric, combined with the dancers’ precision, created what several described as a calming, almost meditative effect. After witnessing Shen Yun, audiences from all walks of life were united in their response — one of admiration, reflection, and inspiration.
For more information on Shen Yun Performing Arts, including FAQs and ticketing information, please visit the official website here.
