Interviews by Julie Wang
NEWARK, New Jersey — On April 29, Shen Yun Performing Arts kicked off a five-show run at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Audience members described the performance as uplifting, visually stunning, and deeply moving, with many saying it exceeded expectations and left a lasting impression.
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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‘Delivered what was promised’
For Lisa D’Adamo, a nurse, the performance delivered exactly what had been promised and more. “Great stories — very magical, mystical, and spiritual. The outfits were amazing, beautiful choreography,” she said, adding, “I think that it 100 percent delivered what was promised.”
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Having heard about Shen Yun prior to attending, D’Adamo said seeing it live brought a new level of appreciation. “You see a lot of the spectacle, but being here and seeing it, I think that bringing it to an English audience as well brought through the themes very well,” she told reporters. “It brought in the mystical, the spiritual, but tied it back into the Chinese history wonderfully.”
She added that the dancers’ technical precision stood out throughout the performance. “I can’t believe what they can accomplish and how their technique shows through everything that they did — every piece was wonderful,” she said. “It was incredible.”
Aside from showcasing stunning choreography, acrobatics, and a live orchestra that combines traditional Western and classical Chinese instruments, Shen Yun’s performances depict legends and historical stories from ancient China as well as modern tales of bravery and oppression taking place in China today.
Her companion, Tony D’Adamo, a retired government worker, echoed her enthusiasm, noting that the experience extended beyond the stage itself. “Just from the moment you step foot in here, it was just amazing and wonderful,” he said.
‘Absolutely fantastic’
For others in attendance, Shen Yun has become a returning tradition. Engineer Martin Hollander, who works part-time with a defense contractor, said this was his fourth time seeing the performance and he is already planning to return in the future. “The show is absolutely fantastic. It’s incredible. The dancers are just out of this world,” he said. “You gotta come. You gotta see it to believe it.”
Hollander emphasized the emotional and uplifting nature of the performance. “It’s very uplifting. It’s got a lot of humor, but truth wins in the end,” he said. “It just makes you feel good after watching it.” He also praised the athleticism displayed on stage. “The acrobatics, it’s wonderful,” he added.
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.
Hollander attended the show with Celeste Zack, a retired chemical engineer, who shared a similar sentiment and encouraged others to experience the show firsthand. “A lot of people don’t know what it’s all about, and they should come and witness it and be part of it,” said Zack, adding, “Come out and see it, and you’ll keep coming again and again.”
The recurring theme among audience members was not only the technical excellence of the performance, but also its ability to connect emotionally and culturally.
As Shen Yun continues its U.S. tour, the response in Newark reflects a broader pattern seen in cities across the country: Audiences leaving the theater not only impressed by the artistry, but also energized by the experience. For many, it’s not just a one-time event, but one worth returning to again and again.
For more information on Shen Yun Performing Arts, including FAQs and ticketing information, please visit the official website.
