At the start of the New Year, on January 4, 2026, Shen Yun's eight artistic troupes staged simultaneous performances across the United States, Europe, and Asia, captivating over ten thousand spectators. The cities included Austin, Texas's capital, Dallas, San Francisco in California, Turin in Italy, Birmingham in the United Kingdom, Toulon in France, Riga, the capital of Latvia, and Taoyuan in Taiwan. (Dajiyuan synthesis)
[People News] On January 4, 2026, Shen Yun's eight artistic troupes performed simultaneously in the United States, Europe, and Asia, captivating over ten thousand spectators. The cities included Austin, Texas's capital, Dallas, San Francisco in California, Turin in Italy, Birmingham in the United Kingdom, Toulon in France, Riga, the capital of Latvia, and Taoyuan in Taiwan.
As the curtain rose, the Shen Yun performance began with a stunning scene depicting deities descending to Earth with the Creator, marking the dawn of human civilisation, which left audiences from various countries profoundly moved and astonished.
An Italian audience member described the first act as delivering a powerful visual impact that stirred his emotions. Ginetta Santoni, the mayor of Dro in the province of Trento, Italy, remarked that the final act's presentation of elements like light and gold was deeply meaningful and unforgettable.
French audience members expressed that Shen Yun was incredibly moving and resonated with them on a profound level.
Shen Yun is committed to reviving authentic Chinese traditional culture, showcasing China as it was before communism to the world. This effort has been met with admiration from British audiences, who feel that the performance reveals aspects of Chinese history and culture that are seldom understood by outsiders, with the entire show radiating positive energy and vitality.
American viewers regard Shen Yun as a valuable testament to Chinese culture and tradition, suggesting that it offers a glimpse into a future where China might reclaim its lost spiritual roots.
Audiences from Latvia, a former communist country, stress that any suppression of faith and culture is unacceptable in any era.
Additionally, mainland Chinese watching Shen Yun in Taiwan expressed their heartfelt feelings, stating that the performance presents a truly beautiful China, which has long been the hope of every Chinese person.
United States
Witnessing the Beauty of Tradition: Medical School Department Chair Shocked by Shen Yun
On the afternoon of January 4, 2026, Nickole Hines-Staples, the department chair of the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, attended a performance by the Shen Yun World Art Troupe at the Long Centre for the Performing Arts in Austin. (Lin Huixin / Dajiyuan)
"This performance serves as a testament to Chinese culture and tradition. Shen Yun illustrates the continuity of this culture and suggests that perhaps one day, through development, China can rediscover those traditions that were once lost," remarked Nickole Hines-Staples after experiencing Shen Yun.
Hines-Staples and her family of four attended a performance by the Shen Yun World Art Troupe at the Long Centre for the Performing Arts in Austin. She remarked that Shen Yun beautifully illustrates the profound cultural heritage of China through its storytelling, allowing her to experience the richness and beauty of traditional culture.
Hines-Staples stated, "What we witnessed was the beauty and richness of Chinese culture. The music, songs, and dances were incredibly moving. More importantly, the performance conveyed a deep cultural heritage through its narratives, while also invoking a sense of regret—because some of these precious elements are gradually fading away."
She expressed her sorrow that Shen Yun cannot perform in China, saying, "Such beauty and significance, representing the culture and heritage of a nation, yet they cannot express it freely in their own country, which is truly heartbreaking." She added, "Perhaps one day, such efforts will help to end the oppression imposed by the Communist Party."
Regional General Manager of a multinational company: The artistic quality is exceptionally high.
On January 4, 2026, Mason Shayan, the general manager of a prominent multinational commercial real estate firm in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, attended the third performance of the Shen Yun New World Art Troupe this year at the Eisemann Centre in Dallas. (Li Chen/Dajiyuan)
Mason Shayan, the general manager of a prominent multinational commercial real estate firm in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, remarked after attending the third performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Eisemann Centre in Dallas, "The overall quality of the performance is exceptionally high, demonstrating a remarkable level of artistic literacy, cultural richness, and professionalism."
Shayan's company employs over 2,000 commercial real estate agents and consultants and operates more than 800 offices throughout the United States and Canada. He also owns several businesses and has previously served on the boards of various non-profit organisations.
This marks Shayan's second experience with Shen Yun. He shared, "This time my wife said, 'Shen Yun is back; should we go see it?' I replied, 'Absolutely, because the first time was such a wonderful experience.'"
"This time, I felt that the messages conveyed in the performance were even more profound, leaving a deeper impression on me. I have gained a greater understanding of Chinese culture."
Shayan expressed that the cultural narratives, myths, and folklore showcased in the performance allowed him to delve deeper into traditional Chinese culture, stating, "These are the reasons I appreciate Shen Yun."
He concluded, "Every culture possesses its unique depth and value system, and we should all take the time to appreciate one another's cultures."
Company Vice President: Every Performance of Shen Yun is Outstanding
On the afternoon of January 4, 2026, Steve Lukes, Vice President of a civil engineering company, and his wife, Monica Lukes, attended the fourth performance of the Shen Yun North America Arts Troupe at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco. (Shu Nan / Dajiyuan)
The couple expressed that the performance was truly wonderful and that they thoroughly enjoyed it.
Lukes serves as the Vice President of a civil engineering and geological surveying firm based in California, USA. He noted that this was their first experience watching Shen Yun, and they discovered the performance through different sources; his wife learned about it via television, while he found out through a billboard advertisement.
He commended the performance as spectacular, highlighting the dance choreography, costumes, and music as "very beautiful."
"Every performance is excellent, and the overall presentation is impressive, especially the backdrop and the high-tech stage effects, which are fantastic," he remarked. "I particularly enjoyed the story of the Monkey King."
"That was truly magical..." The Monkey King flew and moved between the dynamic backdrop and the stage, a visual effect that amazed Monica, who exclaimed, "I still can't figure out how they did that?!"
Shen Yun highlights the ongoing persecution of believers in China. Monica emphasises the importance of revealing the truth, stating, "The persecution of Falun Gong in China is alarming, where even religious beliefs or expressions of joy can be suppressed."
She stressed the necessity for Americans to grasp these realities, noting, "Often, Americans live in an information bubble."
Steve concurred, remarking, "That’s a very fitting description."
Monica concluded by expressing her enthusiasm for the Shen Yun performance, saying, "I will definitely recommend that they come to see it."
Italy
Chairman of the Board: I Was Very Excited When the Shen Yun Curtain Rose
On the afternoon of January 4, 2026, Paolo Picchianti, the chairman of the company’s board, attended the sixth performance of Shen Yun by the New York Arts Troupe at the Teatro Regio Torino in Turin, Italy. (Alessandro Starnoni/Dajiyuan)
"When the curtain rose, I was filled with excitement," Paolo Picchianti exclaimed, captivated by the first act of Shen Yun, where the gods descend with the Creator to establish the magnificent brilliance of human civilisation. "That scene delivered a powerful visual impact; it was truly beautiful!"
Paolo Picchianti, hailing from Valsesia, serves as the chairman of a company and works as an industrial hygiene and safety consultant. Valsesia, located in northern Italy, is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Turin.
"I really enjoyed this performance," Picchianti stated. He highlighted the ingenious stage design, the artists' exceptional skills, and the live orchestra's fusion of Eastern and Western musical elements, all of which left a lasting impression on him. He particularly noted the seamless interaction between the artists, the orchestra, and the dynamic backdrop, saying, "The overall effect was outstanding."
He also expressed his admiration for the performance of the Shen Yun New York Arts Group orchestra, declaring, "In my opinion, this orchestra's performance is perfect!"
The Shen Yun Performing Arts is dedicated to reviving traditional Chinese culture, vividly interpreting it through art that embodies goodness and beauty. Regarding this, Picchianti commented, "This culture and history are incredibly captivating; I also respect their beliefs."
In conclusion, Picchianti encouraged everyone to attend the Shen Yun performance, stating, "It is definitely worth watching."
United Kingdom
A senior real estate development manager reflects on Shen Yun: Traditional cultural elements hold practical significance for modern life.
On the afternoon of January 4, 2026, Catherine Davies (second from right) and her husband Andrew Davies (first from right) attended the final performance of the Shen Yun Global Arts Group at the ICC Birmingham (The ICC Birmingham–Hall 1) with their two daughters. (Li Ming/Dajiyuan)
Catherine Davies, a development manager at a prominent real estate company in the UK, attended the fourth performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts at the ICC Birmingham – Hall 1 with her husband, Andrew Davies and their two daughters.
This was the first time the Davies couple experienced Shen Yun, and they were amazed by the high quality of the performance, with Catherine remarking, "It was truly beautiful," and Andrew adding, "I have never seen a performance like this."
Shen Yun is committed to reviving authentic Chinese traditional culture, presenting a vision of China before communism to the world. Andrew commended this mission, stating, "It was incredibly impactful! It unveiled aspects of Chinese history and culture that we had never known. The entire performance was filled with positive energy and was incredibly vibrant!"
Commenting on the overall effect of the performance, Andrew noted, "The costume combinations were stunning, and the dance movements were both graceful and dynamic. The orchestra's performance was also exceptional. All the elements came together perfectly!"
Catherine added, "I completely agree; everything was fantastic, and I was truly enchanted!"
Catherine believes that Shen Yun's mission is significant for today's world, saying, "Many elements of traditional culture still have practical relevance in our modern lives."
Andrew remarked, "Upholding tradition and treating others with kindness are very important messages. The performance includes many scenes that highlight individuals standing up for the underprivileged. This spirit is essential, regardless of your beliefs. The show seems to convey a message of returning to the essence, allowing everyone, regardless of their background, to find resonance with it."
After learning that Shen Yun offers a completely new program each year, Catherine mentioned that she plans to return to see it again next year.
They expressed their intention to recommend Shen Yun to others, with Andrew stating, "Absolutely. The production quality, overall excellence, expressiveness, music, and completeness are all flawless; I will certainly recommend it with enthusiasm."
France
Screenwriter Reflects on Shen Yun: Art and Dance as Powerful Means to Expose Persecution
On the evening of January 4, 2026, screenwriter Morgane Dumoulin (left) attended the premiere of Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Zenith de Toulon in France, accompanied by her mother, Magalie Dumoulin. (Yifan / Dajiyuan)
That night, Morgane Dumoulin experienced the first performance of Shen Yun at the Zenith de Toulon.
Dumoulin, who writes scripts for films, television shows, and animations, remarked, "The performance was incredibly moving, as it possessed an ethereal beauty; the artists floated like clouds, and their flexibility and lightness were truly astonishing!"
As a screenwriter, Dumoulin was particularly struck by the innovative dynamic backdrop used in Shen Yun. She noted, "This was my first encounter with such a design. Initially, I found it fascinating because we never expected the backdrop to blend reality and the narrative so seamlessly; the visuals were stunning, making it feel as if the artists truly soared into the backdrop."
When reflecting on the deeper significance of the performance, she stated, "The show allowed us to uncover a culture."
However, she also expressed her appreciation for Shen Yun's artistic portrayal of the persecution of faith taking place in China. She remarked, 'I believe it is very important to address this issue through art and dance. It is a wonderful way to attract people's attention to these significant and serious matters; at the same time, it offers a new perspective for discussing these issues, which I truly admire.'
Latvia
Enjoying Shen Yun, Celebrating Chinese Civilisation, Senior Police Officer Marks His Birthday
On the afternoon of January 4, 2026, the Shen Yun Touring Arts Group held its third performance of the year at the Dailes Theatre in Riga, the capital of Latvia. Senior Police Officer Jānis Blumbergs (first from the right) and his wife Agnes (second from the right), artist Mikus Krastiņš (first from the left), and his mother-in-law attended the show. (Wang Yixiao / Dajiyuan)
For Senior Police Officer Jānis Blumbergs, January 4 is a particularly special day: his family is celebrating his birthday by attending Shen Yun. His wife Agnes smiled and said, 'Today is my husband's 50th birthday, and he bought tickets for the entire family to celebrate.' Mr Blumbergs nodded with pride.
Jānis Blumbergs serves as a senior police officer and head of the criminal investigation department at the local branch of the Latvian National Police. On that day, he attended the third performance of the Shen Yun Performing Arts tour in Riga, Latvia's capital, along with his wife Agnes, son Mikus Krastiņš, and mother-in-law. They were thrilled by the pure and beautiful artistic presentation of Shen Yun.
As a senior police officer, Blumbergs is deeply concerned about the small dramas depicting the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and he expressed his anger towards the actions of the CCP's oppressive police. He stated, "This is very bad! People are being persecuted and cannot express their inner thoughts and culture; this is very wrong. This is unacceptable in any era, anywhere, and under any circumstances!"
Having experienced the dark period of communism as a former Soviet state, Latvia has a unique understanding of such oppression. Blumbergs remarked, "We have also gone through the same thing: being suppressed. Indeed, that is the case. We hope this situation will change."
He further explained, "Initially, we wondered why they were studying in New York instead of in China. Later, we learned that they are suppressed in China and cannot perform there."
Nonetheless, the opportunity to see Shen Yun perform in Latvia brought a smile to Blumbergs's face. He said, "It is very good that they can perform here!"
Taiwan
Mainland Chinese: Shen Yun showcases a beautiful China without the Communist Party.
Wang Ping, who came from mainland China, was moved to tears twice after watching Shen Yun. He remarked, "What Shen Yun presents is indeed a beautiful depiction of China before the Communist Party; it is truly wonderful." He added, "Shen Yun showcases a genuinely beautiful China, which is what every Chinese person has longed for in their hearts!"
On the afternoon of January 4, 2026, the Shen Yun New Era Arts Troupe held its final performance at the Taoyuan Performance Centre. Taking advantage of his visit to Taiwan, Wang Ping took the opportunity to experience the charm of Shen Yun. As the program unfolded, his emotions surged, and he found himself in tears several times.
Wang Ping shared that he originally worked in the technology sector in mainland China, but after the pandemic, he moved overseas and can now only miss his family from afar. Reflecting on his experience watching Shen Yun, he expressed, "What Shen Yun presents is indeed a beautiful depiction of China before the Communist Party. The current society in mainland China is very distorted; both people's values and the art they appreciate have become completely chaotic and twisted."
"In mainland China, everyone has become numb, feeling that there is no future or hope, and they no longer experience that pure and beautiful feeling." To escape this despairing situation, he travelled far to a foreign land. Grateful for the opportunity to watch Shen Yun in Taiwan, he said, "I feel very moved, very moved."
"Chinese people should live this kind of life! Living on this free land of Taiwan, leading a prosperous life filled with faith and values, is the most wonderful feeling." He expressed envy that Taiwan can host Shen Yun and enjoy art freely.
Wang Ping shared that Shen Yun brings familiar traditional stories to the stage, stirring a sense of nostalgia. "I believe every performance is excellent; for instance, the one at the academy was fantastic, the golden monkey performance was also impressive, and the Manchu dance was wonderful too. This reflects the kind of life we Chinese should aspire to—one that is rich, confident, and embraces a unique cultural philosophy of enjoying life. What a beautiful life it is!"
"I truly felt this. In Taiwan, I realised that we Chinese can live just like the Taiwanese! They have shown us how to do it."
He expressed hope, stating, "Shen Yun showcases a genuinely beautiful China, which is what every Chinese person has longed for in their hearts," adding, "They are trapped over there, but I believe that one day, very soon, we will be able to welcome Shen Yun and embrace a free and beautiful China."
Regarding the damage the Communist Party has inflicted on China, Wang Ping mentioned that when the curtain rose, and he witnessed the sacred scene of deities descending to the mortal realm, he found it profoundly meaningful. In the midst of his shock, he thought of Falun Gong, saying, "At that moment, I was moved to tears because I felt deep sympathy for Falun Gong practitioners and great sorrow for their persecution."
"Although I am not a Falun Gong practitioner, I have profound sympathy and understanding for them. I believe they are very pure individuals who deserve respect and understanding. This (faith) should be a commonplace matter; I don’t understand why it faces such evil persecution from the CCP. It is truly a crime!"
He emphasised, 'If a practice does not genuinely benefit people, it would not have spread so widely across the globe. Furthermore, how could there be anything wrong with a practice and belief that teaches sincerity, kindness, and patience? Therefore, the persecution imposed by the Chinese Communist Party is a profoundly evil act.'
As he spoke passionately, he became choked up again, stating, 'I truly miss my relatives in mainland China! Even though I have managed to escape, I sincerely hope that one day they can also sit here and enjoy freedom.' He earnestly expressed, 'I genuinely hope that one day, all Chinese people can live the kind of life that existed before (without the Communist Party).'
(Report from The Dajiyuan reporters in the United States, Europe, and Taiwan)
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