PARIS, France—On Jan. 25, 2026, Shen Yun performed at the Palais des Congrès in Paris to an enthusiastic audience. Among the spectators was Xavier Perrette, vice president of International Relations at the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, who attended the show with his wife. Both left the venue deeply moved by this immersion in traditional Chinese culture.

“We are truly under the spell,” he said. “The dances evoke both power and fluidity, with remarkable technique. You can sense a real mastery of movement.”

“The choreography is perfect. So many dancers, such a large group, managing to synchronize like that. ... You can tell there’s been a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes. It really deserves to be applauded.”

Chinese classical dance is one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world. Its movements, postures, and acrobatics draw on thousands of years of practice, notably from ethnic and folk dances, imperial court dances, and popular theatrical traditions.

Mrs. Perrette also highlighted the innovative visual effects of Shen Yun’s patented animated digital backdrop, which allows performers to transition seamlessly from projected landscapes to the actual stage.

“The technique is impressive, and the combination with the digital screen is very well done. It’s stunning,” she said.

For Mr. Perrette, Shen Yun is not just an aesthetic performance. The performance also conveys a deep spiritual dimension: “There is this association between meditation and expression through dance. It is both spiritual, almost transcendent, and at the same time very grounded, through the movements. It’s very beautiful.”

He also mentioned the cultural and historical aspects that are highlighted: “We discover China’s roots. Today, many people are unaware of this side of China. It’s very important to show it.”

“We live in troubled times, where China is often portrayed as an adversary. It is essential to see what is really at the heart of China. Today, that heart is hidden by the world we live in,” said Mr. Perrette.

He also highlighted the courage of the artists: “It’s a real mission. They are brave, because it can’t be easy. We can imagine the pressure, especially when you still have family in China. Frankly, well done.”

He said he believes that the values conveyed by the show transcend cultural boundaries: “We see a glimpse of Chinese beliefs, but it resonates with religions around the world.”

For this professional involved in international cooperation, these values resonate particularly strongly with his career path: “All the values we see on stage are also what drive us in our work.”