By Cao Ming, Vision Times
BALTIMORE, Maryland — On April 19-19, Shen Yun Performing Arts returned to Baltimore with three performances at the city’s historic Hippodrome Theatre. Audiences responded with enthusiastic acclaim, praising the company’s artistic mastery and cultural storytelling, with many noting the performance offered a rare glimpse into “a different China.”
Founded in 2006, Shen Yun 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 currently boasts eight equally sized troupes that tour and perform across the world simultaneously, putting on a brand new production each year.
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During the opening evening, Maryland State Delegate Denise Roberts attended the performance and presented Shen Yun with a formal commendation on behalf of 20 state delegates from Prince George’s County, recognizing the company’s “outstanding cultural achievements and extraordinary global impact.”
An ‘unparalleled’ performance
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“We present this award to recognize Shen Yun for bringing the arts across the United States, and especially thank them for coming to Washington, D.C., and Maryland… allowing us to experience the richness of a great culture,” Roberts said at the theater. Watching Shen Yun for the first time, Roberts described the performance as “absolutely not to be missed” and “unparalleled.”
“The performance is inspiring. This was my first time seeing Shen Yun, and I fell in love with it,” she said, adding, “For me, experiencing Shen Yun for the first time, I absorbed everything all at once. It felt like watching a silent film. The special effects, the digital backdrop, and the costumes beautifully matched my perception of Chinese culture, even though I’ve never been to China. The costumes are truly stunning, they capture the essence of Chinese culture in a way that left the deepest impression on me.”
Roberts also praised the artists’ expressive storytelling, “It’s truly wonderful, conveying emotion and telling stories through wordless dance. The performance transported my thoughts away from the present moment into another world. It’s simply remarkable.”
She added that she would strongly recommend Shen Yun to others and expressed interest in introducing the company to local leadership in Prince George’s County.
Professionals applaud SY’s artistic excellence
Audience members from diverse professional backgrounds also praised Shen Yun’s artistry. According to audience feedback reported by The Epoch Times, NASA project scientist and U.S. Geological Survey division director Stinger Guala described the performance as “astonishing.” “The talent of the performers is amazing, the visual effects are amazing, and the choreography is equally impressive. Overall, it was a fantastic experience,” he said.
Writer, director, and actor Amos Richardson also commended the production: “The artistic quality, the costumes, and the special effects are all stunning… and the performers radiate genuine joy. Their dedication left a deep impression on me.” Richardson noted Shen Yun’s live orchestra, which blends Eastern and Western instruments, as especially memorable. “The performance beautifully integrates the two traditions,” he said.
Anika, a nonprofit executive attending Shen Yun for the first time, described the show as “absolutely spectacular and captivating.” She added, “The performers are incredibly expressive, and the storytelling is smooth, easy to follow, and even humorous at times,” she said. “The music is beautiful, the vocalists are exceptionally talented, and the instrumental performances are deeply moving. The dance is extraordinary—it requires immense effort and remarkable talent. The movements are fluid and unique.” She added that Shen Yun provides an engaging way to learn about Chinese history and culture.
Chinese audience members reflect on cultural depth
Audience members of Chinese heritage also shared strong impressions. A restaurant owner from mainland China, identified as Xu (pseudonym), described the performance as unforgettable. “With the hosts’ lively and engaging introduction, a magnificent epic of traditional Chinese dance, Shen Yun, unfolded,”said Xu, adding, “The performance weaves together dozens of pieces, spanning the human and divine, the ancient and the modern, telling rich stories of mythology and history.”
Xu also highlighted the technical precision and artistic harmony of the performance. “On stage, the dancers move with lightness and precision, demonstrating profound skill and artistry. The live orchestra blends Eastern and Western instruments, creating rich layers of sound and emotion that integrate seamlessly with the dance.” He added, “Shen Yun is not only a visual feast, but also a cultural journey that touches the soul. For audiences abroad who appreciate traditional Chinese art, it offers a rare and deeply enriching experience.”
Another attendee, Liu (pseudonym), a software engineer originally from Hunan, brought his daughter to the performance as a birthday gift. He praised the production quality and live orchestral accompaniment, noting the vibrant atmosphere in the theater.
From the performance, he said, he gained a renewed appreciation for the value of freedom of belief. His daughter, who was born in the United States, particularly enjoyed segments such as the Monkey King story and the dynamic digital backdrop.
Celebrating SY’s 20th anniversary
Ahead of the Baltimore performances, Shen Yun received multiple commendations from Maryland officials recognizing the company’s 20th anniversary.
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen sent a letter of recognition to the event organizers, while the governor of Maryland declared April 18, the opening performance date, as “Shen Yun Day” and issued an official commendation.
In addition, 23 Maryland state delegates representing Prince George’s County jointly honored Shen Yun for its “outstanding cultural achievements and extraordinary global influence.” The Baltimore City Council, along with local county and city officials, also issued proclamations marking what they described as a “milestone moment” for the company.
For more information on Shen Yun Performing Arts, including FAQs and ticketing information, please visit the official website.
