SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

For Shen Yun Performers, Dance Is ‘Not Just a Job, It’s a Calling,’ Says Business Owner

Jan 04, 2026

1/4/2026Updated: 1/4/2026

AUSTIN, Texas—Shen Yun Performing Arts presented its third show at the Long Center for the Performing Arts on the evening of Jan. 3. The performance was a resounding success, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sent his greetings and a warm welcome to the performers.

“The Lone Star State is proud to host Shen Yun, and I am confident that the world-class productions that highlight ancient Chinese culture will make a lasting impression,” Mr. Abbott wrote in a congratulatory letter.

“I applaud the dancers, musicians, organizers, directors, and volunteers who bring this dynamic performance to life as their dedication makes this tour a reality.”

Among the enthusiastic audience members were business owner Ty Voigt and Trisha Caton, a registered dietician. They both thoroughly enjoyed the Shen Yun performance.

“It was very colorful and engaging,” Ms. Caton said. “The story behind it—I learned something new. I learned more about Chinese tradition and culture.”

Mr. Voigt appreciated the spiritual message the artists conveyed, particularly the opening piece depicting heaven. He said he loved that it sent “the message of how the Creator brought other beings to earth and started the human race.”

“There is a creator, and there is a divine power that should surround all of us,” he added. “Our societies are on the tipping point between going down a road where there’s no coming back and turning back to the traditions that we’ve lived with for hundreds and thousands of years.”

China is one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Its 5,000 years of history are filled with legends and rich traditions. Yet, within just a few decades following the rise of the Chinese Communist Party, this magnificent culture was almost destroyed. As atheism spread, belief in the divine was suppressed, and the moral values passed down through Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism were pushed aside.

Founded in 2006 by elite Chinese artists who fled persecution, Shen Yun, based in New York, is dedicated to reviving the beauty and virtues of China before communism. Its performance takes the audience through China’s dynasties and legends, while also raising awareness for ongoing human rights challenges.

Mr. Voigt said it was clear that the artists are passionate about their mission. “It’s not just a job, it’s a calling,” he said.

A spiritual person himself, Mr. Voigt said he was happy to see Shen Yun bringing back China’s divinely inspired culture and values, especially amid today’s societal challenges.

“America has turned away from its founding in the Christian belief, and we’re suffering because of that,” he said. “There’s a lot of distrust.”

“I hope people walk away [from Shen Yun] with a better understanding of the traditions that have helped society over thousands of years,” he said. “We need to get back to [believing] there is a creator, there is a divine power. We need to get closer to that power.”

Reporting by Nancy Ma and Jennifer Tseng.

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