Casting Director on Shen Yun: ‘I Wanted to Come in and Expand My Horizons’
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Ethan Petersen at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Jan. 25, 2026. Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times
LOS ANGELES—Ethan Petersen, a casting director, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on Jan. 25 at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
“It’s great and something that’s different for me. I was so curious, and so I wanted to come in and expand my horizons,” Mr. Petersen said.
Shen Yun, based in New York, is on a mission to present “China before communism,” and revive people’s connection with 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and culture.
“Different cultures are so important, and for people that can’t necessarily travel the world, it’s so great to have the world come to them, and that’s what this is all about. I don’t care who you are, how old you are. Nationality doesn’t matter. It makes everyone a better person. The arts are the most important thing in the world,” Mr. Petersen said.
Shen Yun’s artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.
“It’s beautiful. The costumes are just stunning, and I didn’t realize how much this form of dance consists of gymnastics—it’s incredible,” Mr. Petersen said.
Shen Yun consistently portrays a message of hope and that goodness and compassion will always prevail.
“We need that these days, and we definitely need the kindness and compassion. So it’s really great to see the interpretation, the message, and the dance interpretation of that,” Mr. Petersen said.
Aside from classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun’s artists are also trained in various Chinese ethnic and folk dance styles.
“It’s great too, to see so many different backgrounds here, which is really great. It’s a big celebration of dance,” Mr. Petersen said.
The Shen Yun Orchestra, which tours with Shen Yun, is a unique combination of traditional Chinese instruments and a classic Western ensemble.
“It’s great. I can tell that it has a modern feel to it, but then also you have the classical instruments,” Mr. Petersen said.
Shen Yun’s use of its digital backdrop is patented. The versatility of the technology allows the set to change scenes in the blink of an eye, giving the stage endless possibilities.
Mr. Petersen shared that he was most impressed with “The timing, and I want to know how they know exactly where to jump and the exact space to jump.”
