SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

California Theatergoer Feels a Connection With Shen Yun

Feb 05, 2026

2/5/2026Updated: 2/5/2026

MONROE, Calif.—Kirstian Smith, Chris Smith, Glenda Griffin, and Kenneth Griffin saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on Feb. 3 at W.L. Jack Howard Theatre.

“I liked it all because I actually have Chinese ancestors, so I just kind of feel a connection with it,” said Mr. Smith, a manufacturing manager.

Shen Yun is based in New York, and its dancers are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.

“I think it’s very beautiful. I think it showed a different kind of spirituality with the dancing. It was beautiful, very peaceful, relaxing,” said Ms. Smith, a health care case manager.

Ms. Smith added that she was impressed with the “fluidity of the movement, how beautiful the outfits are [and its] very calming atmosphere.”

Shen Yun’s website says that China was once known as “The Land of the Divine.” Ms. Griffin enjoyed seeing Shen Yun’s depiction of heaven.

“It really spoke on the Creator and heaven and salvation and all of that. It just reached out to you and touched you,” said Ms. Griffin, a crematory business owner.

The costumes in Shen Yun were designed by Shen Yun’s artistic director, D.F. They are all designed to match the fashion worn throughout the 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.

“It was wonderful. Very relaxing, unique. The costumes were gorgeous,” said Ms. Griffin.

Chinese literature, along with Chinese history and legend, is a rich source of inspiration for Shen Yun. Ms. Griffin was particularly touched by the dance, ’Emperor Kangxi and His Sacred Mission.’

Although not every emperor in Chinese history was a good one, Ms. Griffien saw “the compassion that the emperor had for the poor,” in this dance.

Paul Doyle and Cindy Doyle at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at W.L. Jack Howard Theatre on Feb. 3, 2026. (Sonia Wu/The Epoch Times) — Paul Doyle and Cindy Doyle at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at W.L. Jack Howard Theatre on Feb. 3, 2026. Sonia Wu/The Epoch Times

Paul Doyle and Cindy Doyle were also in the audience on Feb. 3.

“Loved it. Great colors and stories behind it. My first time ever seeing it and I enjoyed myself very much,” said Mr. Doyle, a safety manager.

Out of all the dances, the one that left the deepest impression told the true story of Falun Dafa practitioners following the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Despite their goodness, they are being persecuted for their faith in present-day China.

“I knew there were issues going on within China with communism. ... I’m glad to see that other people are speaking up and are able to express it,” Mr. Doyle said.

Ms. Doyle said that she enjoyed seeing the beauty in the “Water Sleeves” dance.

Reporting by Nancy Ma, Sonia Wu, and Maria Han.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.