Company Executive Praises Shen Yun: ‘A New Experience’ Exploring the Deep Roots of Chinese Culture
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Howard Pena attended Shen Yun North America Company’s third local performance at the Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, in Charlotte, N.C., on Feb. 21, 2026. Frank Liang/The Epoch Times
CHARLOTTE, N.C.—“The entire performance was very colorful and rich in culture. We learned something by watching it, and overall, it was a new experience,” said Howard Pena, a company executive, after attending Shen Yun. He described the evening as both visually stunning and culturally enlightening.
On Feb. 21, Mr. Pena attended Shen Yun North America Company’s third performance in Charlotte at the Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.
The New York–based Shen Yun Performing Arts is a leading classical Chinese dance and music company, with a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. Since its founding in 2006, the company has presented an entirely new program each year, captivating audiences around the world.
Reflecting on the artistry, Mr. Pena noted that while classical Chinese dance shares certain similarities with ballet, it maintains a distinctive style rooted in a much older tradition.
“It’s interesting to see that there’s a parallel with ballet, yet it’s different—and to consider that it may have come from a much earlier time than ballet, with deeper roots,” he said.
As a technology professional who oversees computer systems and software, Mr. Pena was especially impressed by Shen Yun’s patented, animated backdrop. He was particularly intrigued by a scene in which an elderly man suddenly transformed into a young boy.
“Fantastic. I’m going to go home and read the patent because I want to see exactly how it works. I especially liked the part where the old man transformed into the young boy. Up until that point, I thought I had it figured out, and then that was very interesting. It must have been a special way of doing the stunt,” he said.
From his seat, Mr. Pena said he had a clear view of the entire orchestra and the stage, allowing him to take in every detail.
“I can see really well—every detail,” he said. “Yes, for sure. Wow! The orchestra is fantastic too. I like the blending of instruments within the orchestra. It’s amazing.”
Shen Yun’s orchestra—using a classical Western orchestration as its foundation to highlight traditional Chinese instruments such as the erhu and pipa—is the first in the world to successfully blend Eastern and Western musical traditions.
Mr. Pena also said he was able to feel a strong sense of energy from the performers.
He expressed strong support for Shen Yun’s mission to revive traditional culture, emphasizing its relevance today.
“Yes, it’s very important to preserve it and to raise awareness in the United States,” he said.
He added that he would readily recommend the performance to friends.
“I’ll definitely tell them they have to go see it. If it comes to their town, they should try to go,” he said.
