(Minghui.org) Part 1: Shen Yun Impresses Theatergoers in the Americas and Europe: “10 Out of 10”
Shen Yun continued its global tour with performances in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Czech Republic, France, and the United States in late April 2026.
Senator Awards Pennsylvania Freedom Medals to Shen Yun Artists
Pennsylvania State Senator Doug Mastriano presented Pennsylvania Freedom Medals to eight Shen Yun artists who were direct victims of persecution in China or who have family members who have been persecuted. (Courtesy of NTD)
Senator Doug Mastriano (Courtesy of NTD)
Pennsylvania Senator Doug Mastriano saw Shen Yun in Philadelphia on April 16.
“This is our first time, and, wow, what an amazing presentation. I think it shows us how important it is to preserve culture and freedom. The show really brought out how important and rich Chinese history is, but freedom has to be secured,” Mr. Mastriano said.
After the performance, the Senator presented eight Pennsylvania Freedom Medals to eight Shen Yun artists who were direct victims of the persecution in China or have family members who have been persecuted.
“It’s interesting to me that the regime in China right now does not want to remember its history—5,000 years of amazing history. And that’s really heartbreaking to me. So thank you for being a light in the darkness and preserving that beautiful part of Chinese history and culture,” Mr. Mastriano said.
Mr. Mastriano shared that he really enjoyed the dance, “Peacock Paradise.”
“It was amazing—the scene opens up, and you’re in the clouds. It’s just incredible. So I walk away with a lot of hope and joy because there’s so much history here and the people love their culture,” he said.
Regarding the dance that depicts Falun Dafa practitioners being persecuted in China today for their faith, the senator said, “It [the persecution] needs to end. The regime in China right now is going after followers of Falun Dafa, they’re going after Christians, going after everybody.
“It’s really shocking and heartbreaking. And Americans need to see that. We take our freedom for granted. We wake up every day, and we’re free people. And around the world, there’s countries where it’s just not so,” he added.
“The last song was interesting to me because it talked about how deceptive atheism and evolutionary theory is. Everything that the CCP is built upon is denying faith, denying God, denying your culture, and tearing down the culture and the beliefs and the history and trying to create a new one, a fake one,” Mr. Mastriano said.
“A Beautiful Affirmation of What We Believe”
Túlio Del Conte Valcanaia and wife (Courtesy of The Epoch Times)
Dentist Túlio Del Conte Valcanaia and his wife saw Shen Yun in Curitiba, Brazil, on April 26.
“This is an absolutely magnificent performance,” Mr. Valcanaia said. “The lightness and fluidity of the presentation, the layered storytelling, and the spiritual depth it carries are all truly astonishing.
“What they presented about the oppression of the Chinese people is very thought-provoking,” Mr. Valcanaia added. “And such a performance cannot even be shown in China today!”
Mr. Valcanaia said the soprano’s performance stood out most for its spiritual message. He referred specifically to lyrics about humanity’s divine origin and the saving grace of the Creator.
“What she expressed—that the Creator has already come—is a beautiful affirmation of what we believe,” he said.
He added that these themes reinforced his own convictions about faith and tradition.Regarding Shen Yun’s mission to revive traditional pre-communist culture and restore values centered on reverence for the divine and moral integrity, Mr. Valcanaia called this “deeply meaningful.”
“In today’s society, people’s behavior has changed significantly. That is why preserving tradition and maintaining traditional moral values is so important.
“I kept thinking while sitting there that our children should really be here watching something like this. Next time, we must bring them,” he said.
“Highly Professional Caliber”
Agnès Brasseur (Courtesy of NTD)
Business executive Agnès Brasseur saw Shen Yun in Aix-En-Provence, France, on April 20.
She said she was captivated by the quality of the performance from the very first scenes. “It is magnificent, simply magnificent. It is of a highly professional caliber, yet at the same time easily accessible to the audience. It is truly beautiful.”
She emphasized the meticulous care evident in the staging, “This is a truly beautiful production—extremely sophisticated... featuring a wealth of color and magnificent choreography.
“This show offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese people through their history... Here, I sense a profound openness toward others expressed through dance,” she said. She described Shen Yun as “an opening of China to the world.”
Ms. Brasseur also shared that she was deeply moved by the artists’ positive energy: “Absolutely... with truly open, smiling faces—people who genuinely desire to share their art.
“It is at once deeply spiritual and yet very grounded... You can sense the immense effort behind it—not only the artistic dedication of the dancers themselves, but also the work of everyone who helps bring this beautiful show to life, from the costume designers to the choreographers,” she said.
“A Rejuvenation of the Soul”
Axelle Masson and daughter Laure (Courtesy of NTD)
Axelle Masson, a construction manager in the real estate sector, saw Shen Yun with her daughter, Laure, in Lyon, France, on April 12.
“It is truly a marvel. You are immersed in the culture, myths, and tales... that you know nothing about. I also find that it’s something that truly does the soul a world of good... a rejuvenation of the soul,” said Ms. Masson. “In your show, I’d say there’s perhaps an extra touch of soul.”
“It’s not just a dance performance... It’s something that touches the very core of one’s being... and transcends generations, time, space, and souls,” she said.
For her daughter Laure, a middle school student, the emotional impact comes first through beauty and color. “I really love it when things are colorful... The costumes were magnificent,” Laure said.
She also perceived a deeper dimension. “I never expected there to be so much spirituality, so many colors, so many wonders... It brings me a little joy... It’s soothing... It’s truly magical,” Laure said.
Ms. Masson also commented on the spirituality she felt in the performance.
“I felt it deep down inside... It moved me deeply... I felt very connected during the performance. It is a message for all of humanity... that brings humanity together... There is a sense of transcendence and humanity that comes through in this show,” she said.
“We’re not used to feeling such a sense of connection and lightness after leaving a show,” Ms. Masson added.
“The Founder Is a Genius”
Oscar Bacca (Courtesy of NTD)
Oscar Bacca, an orchestra conductor, saw Shen Yun in Monterrey, Mexico, on April 24.
“Quite refreshing. It might seem like something very traditional, but in the world of symphony orchestras, combining Chinese instruments with the traditional symphony orchestra format is actually quite new. It’s very stimulating to have this blend of sounds,” he said.
“The founder is a genius for having the capacity to visualize everything and be able to express it, execute it, and bring it out to the whole world.”
Speaking of the Chinese erhu, a bowed two-strings instrument, Ms. Bacca said, “As a former violinist myself, I know the instrument very well and it is an extremely complicated instrument—one of the most difficult. It is a bowed stringed instrument like the violin, viola, cello, or double bass. So being a bowed instrument, it relies on both hands. Seeing this incredible musician on stage having such control of the right hand, which holds the bow, was quite impressive. For me, whenever we have the opportunity to see these types of instruments, they are golden opportunities.”
“Everyone Has to Watch It”
Silvia Bazán (Courtesy of NTD)
Silvia Bazán, Argentinian national radio announcer, saw Shen Yun in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 18.
“I was really struck by everything that is divine.” Ms. Bazán said. “It’s God communicating with man and all of creation. It was the divine peace that comes from above, which is the deepest thing [that] every human being deserves to receive.”
Ms. Bazán said she was completely captivated by the performance from start to finish. She said, “You finish watching the first part, and then you want to see more, and more, and more, and more. And finally, you feel fulfilled.”
Ms. Bazán felt that she resonated with the divinity portrayed in the performance. She tried to describe what it was like. “I was really excited, really happy because... I don’t know how to explain the emotion... it’s all spectacular but at the same time, it’s all a form of spiritual communication.”
She added that no words can describe that feeling. “When it’s something spiritual, you change on the inside. And you don’t really have the words to describe it. But it’s beautiful. I feel like crying because it really touches you, doesn’t it? I’m leaving feeling inspired, at peace, and joyful.”
Ms. Bazán continued, “It’s impactful. It’s moving. I’m leaving feeling moved after seeing this absolutely beautiful show.
“Many blessings to all of you! Don’t give up. We live in a world that’s very turbulent, but beyond all that is the power of God, is peace... What you’ve shown on stage, you’re amazing!
“Everyone has to watch it and see for themselves,” Ms. Bazán concluded. “It’s personal.”
Peace and Divinity
Nicole Credle, a human resources consultant, saw Shen Yun in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 18.
She said she had been wanting to see Shen Yun but never had the chance. This time, the ticket was a gift from the six people on her team.
She said the performance “completely exceeded” her expectations. The live orchestra was a pleasant surprise to her, especially since she studied the clarinet.
Ms. Credle said she did not expect Shen Yun to be full of spirituality. She had been studying peace, and said that she felt peace and divinity during the show.
Because of this peace, Ms. Credle decided that instead of leaving with other audience members and waiting in the parking lot, she should sit in the theater and read her newly purchased copy of Zhuan Falun, the main text of Falun Gong.
She said she thought of her team when she purchased Zhuan Falun. She hoped her team could start to consciously guard their inner peace, especially considering the complex nature of their work.
To learn more about Shen Yun or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://shenyun.com/
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