SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Former Hollywood Writer–Producer Says the Depth of Chinese Culture ‘Is Beautifully Revealed’ Through Shen Yun

Jan 19, 2026

1/19/2026Updated: 1/19/2026

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—From the moment the curtain rose, Shen Yun Performing Arts left a deep impression on Nancy Lamfers, a former Hollywood writer and producer, who found herself moved by both the beauty and the meaning conveyed on stage.

“I loved it. I thought it was really beautiful—peaceful, elegant, and full of meaning,” she said after the performance.

On the afternoon of Jan. 17, Ms. Lamfers attended Shen Yun’s third performance at the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts at California State University, Northridge, accompanied by her husband, Terry Lamfers.

Through classical Chinese, folk, and story-based dances, Shen Yun artists showcase China’s diverse regions and bring its rich history and culture to life.

It was an awe-inspiring experience for Ms. Lamfers.

“The dancing was beautiful,” she said. “It’s amazing that both the women and the men can move their bodies that way. The movement is so fluid. I’m so pleased that someone in this world can function that way. It was magical; they’re very beautiful.”

Beyond the technical excellence, Ms. Lamfers resonated strongly with the deeper message conveyed through the performance.

“It brought attention to some of the atrocities happening in China,” she said. “Hopefully, the Divine will come down and straighten it all out eventually.”

She expressed hope that audiences would reflect on Shen Yun’s message.

“If people listen to the music and to what’s being spoken through the music,” she said, “they’ll understand that peaceful resolutions are always the best way.”

Shen Yun’s presentation of China’s rich cultural heritage was another revelation for her. “I didn’t realize there was so much history and culture in China,” she said. “That was beautiful to see.”

Reflecting on the experience as a whole, Ms. Lamfers said the performance offered a rare glimpse into the depth of Chinese civilization. “The exposure to the culture of China, the history of China, and the depth of that culture is beautifully revealed through the dance,” she said.

Shen Yun was formed by a group of leading classical Chinese artists in 2006 in New York, with a mission to revive the beauty and goodness of pre-communist China.

Ms. Lamfers believes the company’s global tour carries profound significance. “It really opens Chinese culture to the world,” she said.

“Many people don’t know much about traditional Chinese culture or its influence. The idea that the Divine comes down, that there is something greater and salvation to be found—this is something everyone needs to hear.”

Her husband, Terry Lamfers, a former director of casting administration at Universal Studios, also spoke highly of the performance. “It was wonderful. It was a great show,” he said.

Mr. Lamfers was particularly impressed by a scene depicting heavenly maidens dancing in the clouds—a moment that left a lasting impression.

He said the production as a whole brought a sense of calm and upliftment. “The dancers, their movements, and the music really touched me,” he said. “The music made me feel very relaxed and peaceful.”

Reporting by Michael Ren 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.