TOULON, France—On Jan. 5, 2026, Emeric Levy, director of operations, discovered Shen Yun at the Zénith Oméga in Toulon. He describes the experience as completely transporting, both artistically and culturally.
“I’m really glad I came to see this show. It’s something completely different from what I’m used to seeing,” he said. Unfamiliar with Chinese culture, he enjoyed this immersion into a new world.
“It’s very fresh and, at the same time, it opens a window onto Chinese culture, which I don’t know much about. It’s an opportunity to discover different things,” he explains. “I particularly enjoyed the stories that are told and the way they are presented.”
One of the aspects that impressed him most was the music. Shen Yun stands out for its unique orchestra, which combines classical Western instruments with traditional Chinese instruments. “I’m quite impressed by the blend of culture we see on stage and the fact that the orchestra plays classical instruments, such as the violin and flute,” he says. “It’s all the more impressive because the musicians play continuously. We can see the performers on stage, but we sometimes forget the talent of those who are playing the music.”
The supply chain director also spoke about the use of technology, particularly the animated digital backdrop. “This blend of technology and performance is very striking. I found it impressive to see a character move from the screen to reality,” he says.
“The music also contributes greatly to setting the mood.”
He thought the entire show managed to capture the audience’s attention completely.
“The whole show really draws you into the atmosphere. Personally, I don’t think about anything else but what I’m seeing, right at that moment.”
Powerful Values
Beyond the technical performance, Emeric Levy says he sees powerful values in Shen Yun. “What I see is kindness, artistry, and openness,” he observes. “I also see a lot of talent. It’s not classical dance as we usually see it. You really feel the artistic and acrobatic nature of it, and the way it all comes together is impressive.”The costumes also caught his attention. “What’s impressive is how the costumes complement the set design,” he points out. “The dance with the sleeves, for example, is particularly impressive to watch.”
While acknowledging that he does not have an in-depth knowledge of contemporary China, Emeric Levy nevertheless emphasizes the importance of fundamental freedoms. “I believe that we all have a right to freedom: freedom of worship, freedom of enterprise, freedom to travel.” Shen Yun highlights the persecution of Falun Gong, a traditional Chinese spiritual practice based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, which has been banned and suppressed by the Chinese communist regime since 1999.
A Timeless Moment
But what Shen Yun gave him most of all was a moment outside of time. “It’s rare that I go to a show where I don’t think about anything else but what I’m watching,” he says. “Time flies by, you don’t even realize it. It gave me a moment to escape, and that’s very important.”In a global context that he considers complex, Emeric Levy sees art as a precious refuge. “We are living in difficult times. Every country has its problems,” he says. “But what Shen Yun brings is a moment of tranquility, a moment to escape. And for that, I thank them.”
Reporting by Isabelle Meyer and translated by Sonia Rouleau.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
