TORONTO, Canada — On June 25-28, Shen Yun Performing Arts returned to Toronto after six performances scheduled earlier this year were canceled following alleged bomb threats targeting the New York-based performing arts troupe. Following the disruptions, the company returned to Toronto for five sold-out performances at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, drawing praise from theatergoers for its artistic excellence, celebration of traditional Chinese culture, and message of faith.
Founded in 2006, Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company, showcasing the beauty and splendor of traditional Chinese culture and art prior to the ravages of communism. The company currently boasts eight equally sized troupes that tour and perform across the world simultaneously, putting on a brand new production each year.
Among those attending were members of the Canadian Committee of the Chinese Democracy Party and other overseas Chinese democracy advocates, who organized a group outing to show their support for the acclaimed company. Interviewees praised Shen Yun’s artistic achievements, its presentation of traditional Chinese culture, and its spiritual themes while expressing hope the company may one day perform freely in mainland China.
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Praising SY’s artistic excellence
Many attendees said they were struck by the performers’ technical skill and storytelling. Wan Huizi, a member of the Canadian Committee of the Chinese Democracy Party attending Shen Yun for the first time, said the dancers’ athleticism immediately impressed her. “The opening split in midair was incredible,” said Wan, adding, “You can tell it requires an extraordinary foundation in dance. I was also deeply impressed by how the performers used movement alone to tell stories and express emotion.”
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Liu Mingyu admitted he had expected a more solemn performance but was pleasantly surprised when the show incorporated many other elements as well. “I thought it would be very serious, but it was actually very entertaining. It also showcased our traditional Chinese culture while incorporating satire about the Chinese Communist Party. It was a very engaging performance.”
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. The 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.
New immigrant Fu Weizhou similarly described the production as “magnificent,” noting that it blended traditional Chinese artistic elements beautifully. Meanwhile, Li Zanzhou said it was his first time seeing Shen Yun. “I’m still overwhelmed. Even now, I haven’t been able to calm down. It was incredibly moving.”
Celebrating traditional culture
Several audience members said they viewed Shen Yun as preserving aspects of traditional Chinese culture that they believe have diminished in mainland China. Zeng Guitian, who was attending Shen Yun for the second time, said, “When I watch Shen Yun, I see our Chinese culture. But that culture has gradually faded in China. Reflecting on his own family, he added, “Even during the Japanese occupation, Cantonese survived. Today, none of my children speak Cantonese.”
Luo Yu told reporters that he was encouraged to see traditional culture presented overseas. “I’m deeply moved that, thousands of miles from China, a spark of traditional Chinese culture is still being preserved. I hope one day it can flourish again.”
Wu Zhiwei said the performance’s emphasis on “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance” reflected longstanding Chinese moral values. “These traditional virtues have faced suppression under authoritarian rule in mainland China, but they have not been extinguished. They continue to thrive wherever there is freedom.”
Many of Shen Yun’s performers and staff are 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 CCP starting in 1999. Because of the persecution, Shen Yun is not currently able to perform in mainland China.
Faith and freedom
Several attendees said Shen Yun’s spiritual message resonated with them as much as its artistic presentation. Hou Shijun, deputy secretary-general of the Federation for Democracy in China (Canada), said the performance conveyed a sense of purpose beyond entertainment.
“The performance was breathtaking, but more importantly it reflected a profound sense of mission,” said Hou, adding, “Shen Yun embodies the spirit of ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.’ I think that pursuit of faith is especially meaningful.”
He added, “If the moral foundation of a nation collapses, that nation has no future. I felt the performance was trying to help us rediscover these values and recover the best parts of our spirit.”
Aside from showcasing stunning choreography, acrobatics, and a live orchestra that blends traditional Western and classical Chinese instruments, Shen Yun’s performances bring to life legends and historical stories from ancient China, alongside modern tales of bravery and oppression unfolding in China today. The show is guided by two emcees who present in both Chinese and English, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Audience member Liu Chong echoed this sentiment, noting that the dance depicting the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners left the deepest impression. “It tells a true story that is still happening today. It is a painful reality. Though it is presented through art, it was heartbreaking to watch. Everyone deserves the freedom to believe and to have that belief respected.”
Hope for a return to China
Attendees also praised Shen Yun for resuming performances in Toronto after the earlier cancellations. Chen Jie said, “In the end, evil cannot overcome justice. Shen Yun’s return to Toronto shows that these attempts to stop the performances will ultimately fail. Fu Weizhou added, “I admire them for refusing to be intimidated. They deserve even more public support.”
Nearly every interviewee expressed hope that Shen Yun would eventually be able to perform in mainland China. Wan Huizi said, “I hope Shen Yun can return to mainland China soon. I think it is very important for Chinese people.” Li Zanzhou echoed that sentiment. “My dream is that one day I’ll be able to watch a performance like this in mainland China.”
“I sincerely hope Shen Yun can return to mainland China one day,” said Luo Yo, “To me, that would also mean China has achieved genuine freedom.”
