SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Brazilian Army Lieutenant Colonel: Shen Yun Awakens Our ‘Spiritual Side’

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Brazilian Army Lieutenant Colonel: Shen Yun Awakens Our ‘Spiritual Side’
Brazilian Army Lieutenant Colonel Elcio Oliveira and his family attend Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Teatro Bradesco in São Paulo, Brazil, on May 2, 2026. Arian Pasdar/The Epoch Times
Epoch Newsroom
Updated:

SÃO PAULO, Brazil—On the afternoon of May 2, Shen Yun International Company presented its third performance at the Teatro Bradesco in São Paulo, Brazil. Brazilian Army Lieutenant Colonel Elcio Oliveira made a three-hour drive with his wife Rita, and a family member Lorraine, to attend the event.

After watching Shen Yun, Lieutenant Colonel Oliveira expressed his excitement, noting that he had been anticipating the performance for two years. “It is an excellent show,” he said. “It brings ancient Chinese culture to life. It is very gratifying to see a show of this caliber.”

He described the experience as deeply meaningful and well worth the long journey. “It brings back this culture—the beauty of the dance, the technique, and the discipline,” he said, adding that he hopes to attend again in the future.

Based in New York, Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, with a mission to revive 5,000 years of China’s divinely inspired heritage and share with audiences the beauty of “China before communism.”

Lieutenant Colonel Oliveira said he truly enjoyed the visual and artistic beauty of Shen Yun.  “The screen is fascinating—a blend of technology and art. The colors are very vibrant, and the dancers’ individual technique is impressive.”

Mrs. Oliveira, a yoga instructor, also expressed her admiration for the performance. She praised its visual richness and artistry, noting how the colors contributed to a sense of harmony and immersion.

The name Shen Yun means “the beauty of divine beings dancing.” Lieutenant Colonel Oliveira said one of the most meaningful aspects of the performance was its spiritual dimension.
“The performance prompted reflection on one’s own spiritual nature, encouraging self-examination and awakening a sometimes dormant spiritual side,” he said. He added that such beauty is rarely encountered in everyday life and can inspire people to reconnect with deeper values and inner awareness.

He further noted that in today’s world, people often lack a clear spiritual path that can elevate them. In his view, the performance offers a unique opportunity for self-understanding. He described it as a meaningful moment for reflection and self-discovery.

He also spoke about the broader cultural significance of the production. “It is very important for us not to forget history. The history and culture of a people are what make a nation. When there is a regime that tries to erase this history and culture, it is important that groups like this exist to keep that flame alive.”

Drawing from his interest in Eastern culture, he said he has long paid attention to developments in China, particularly regarding restrictions on belief. He noted that such conditions stand in contrast to the freedoms enjoyed in his own country.

In closing, Lieutenant Colonel Oliveira expressed his appreciation and encouragement for the artists. “They should continue this work and not let this culture die. It is a culture that the whole world needs to know and value. Congratulations on the show!”

Reporting by Arian Pasdar and Olivia Li.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
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