TORONTO, Canada — On June 25-28, Shen Yun Performing Arts’ New York Company returned to Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts for a sold-out run, marking a triumphant return after false bomb threats forced the cancellation of six scheduled performances at the same venue earlier this year.
The theater erupted in thunderous applause as audience members from all walks of life, including professionals, business owners, filmmakers, and members of Canada’s Chinese community, praised Shen Yun for bringing 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture to life through world-class artistry, gravity-defying acrobatics, and vibrant choreography.
The opening night carried special significance. After performances scheduled for late March and early April were canceled because of false bomb threats, many audience members said returning to the theater represented more than simply watching a performance; it was a stand against intimidation.
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‘Magnificent and brilliant’
Accounting firm founder Alexander Wright described the performance as “magnificent.” “It was absolutely spectacular, beautiful, dynamic, and rich in dance, history, and culture,” Wright said. “We were completely captivated.”
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Having trained in gymnastics in his youth, Wright said he was especially impressed by the performers’ athleticism. “I understand how difficult it is to make everything look so effortless and fluid,” he said. “It’s the result of years of relentless training. As the saying goes, ‘One minute on stage takes ten years of practice.'”
He also praised Shen Yun’s innovative digital backdrop and live orchestra. “The divine elements were extraordinary, especially the opening scene depicting heavenly beings descending to Earth,” he said. “The timing between the performers and the digital backdrop was absolutely flawless.”
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.
‘Simply wonderful’
Though not a musician himself, Wright said the orchestra’s fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions stood out. “Chinese music has a vitality and spirit that’s different from Western music. The combination was simply wonderful.”
Among the stories presented on stage, one depicting a mother and son enduring persecution for their faith resonated deeply. “That story isn’t confined to history; it’s happening today,” he said. “We’re living through difficult times, so its message is incredibly timely.” When asked to summarize the performance in one word, Wright replied without hesitation: “Magnificent.”
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.
Many of Shen Yun’s performers and staff are also practitioners of Falun Gong, a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline also known as Falun Dafa. Rooted in the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, the faith was immensely popular in China prior to being banned and subject to severe repression by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) starting in July 1999. Because of the persecution, Shen Yun is not currently able to perform in mainland China.
‘Nothing else in the world compares’
Real estate company owner Trelawny Howell called Shen Yun “an unforgettable experience.” When asked about what stood out to her the most, Howell said, “The performance was absolutely magnificent. The artists are incredibly talented, and I don’t believe there’s anything else in the world that compares with it,” she said, adding, “In fact, I think every student should be required to see Shen Yun.”
Howell had also purchased tickets for the canceled March 29 performance and was delighted to finally attend. “I’m so happy Shen Yun has returned to the Four Seasons Centre,” she said.
She praised the artistic director and performers for conveying courage, discipline, mutual respect, and cultural heritage through dance. “What this performance contributes to preserving and sharing Chinese culture with the world is truly extraordinary. We must ensure this continues.”
Knowing the artists continue to face pressure from the Chinese Communist Party made the evening even more meaningful, she added. “We’re here to support them and stand with them.”
After watching the documentary “Unbroken: The Untold Story of Shen Yun”, Howell said she gained a deeper appreciation for the company’s mission and thanked the Four Seasons Centre for reversing its earlier decision. She also called for greater mainstream media coverage of Shen Yun and suggested the documentary be shown in schools.
‘Everything was perfectly choreographed’
Film producer and production company founder Andrew Bronfman viewed the performance through a professional lens. “Everything worked together seamlessly,” he said. “Every element was meticulously planned, and the dancers’ technical ability was extraordinary.”
He singled out the acrobatic movements, including gravity-deying flips, aerials, and precision landings, as particularly impressive. As a first-time audience member, Bronfman appreciated how accessible the production was. “The storytelling is incredibly clear,” he said. “The digital backdrop and narrators make every scene easy to follow, even for someone seeing Shen Yun for the first time.”
Beyond its artistic excellence, Bronfman said the production’s spiritual message left a lasting impression. “The songs and subtitles convey an important message. In today’s society, filled with distractions and temptations, it’s important to remain true to yourself, cherish your traditions, and preserve your spiritual beliefs.” He added that he and his wife already plan to return to see Shen Yun next year.
Reflecting on faith and culture
Among the audience were Cao Zhifang, daughter of late Chinese constitutional reform advocate Cao Siyuan, and her husband Chen Zhong, a private entrepreneur who recently left mainland China.
Chen described Shen Yun as the first artistic performance he had seen in the West that truly represented traditional Chinese culture. “I’ve never experienced anything quite like it,” he said. “It’s educational, entertaining, and understandable regardless of language. People of faith are truly remarkable.”
A Christian, Cao said the performance awakened a universal longing for the divine. “I believe the desire to seek and revere God is universal, whether in China or in the West,” she said. “Everyone has a place for God in their heart, even if many people don’t realize it. This performance awakens that longing.”
She criticized cultural trends and communist ideology that seek to erase faith from society, calling them “very evil,” while describing Shen Yun as “purely beautiful” and uplifting. Both expressed hope that one day Shen Yun will be able to perform freely in mainland China.
‘Unwavering perseverance’
Former Chinese state media PLA Daily journalist Jiang Lin said Shen Yun’s greatest strength lies in its refusal to yield under pressure. She praised every aspect of the production, from the orchestra and dancers to the erhu solo and the seamless integration of the animated backdrop.
While discussing the CCP’s longstanding campaign against Shen Yun, Jiang said, “An authoritarian system cannot tolerate independent civil organizations whose influence extends beyond the Party.” She described efforts by Chinese diplomatic officials to pressure Canadian theaters as an example of transnational repression. “Such long-arm interference and transnational repression are illegal in Canada. Falun Gong is a lawful organization here,” she said.
Jiang believes the sold-out theater sent a powerful message. “The audience proved through their actions that the CCP may succeed in causing disruption once, but it cannot succeed every time,” she said. “People filled nearly every seat in the theater and responded to every performance with enthusiastic applause.”
After two decades of touring under sustained pressure, Jiang said Shen Yun’s greatest achievement is not simply its artistic excellence, but its unwavering perseverance. “What makes Shen Yun truly remarkable is that, unlike many Chinese artists, it has refused to compromise with the Communist Party,” she said. “Despite immense pressure, it has never surrendered. That is what makes Shen Yun unique.”
