The Swiss engagements were marked not only by strong attendance but also by the presence of a notably distinguished audience. Among those in attendance were a Swiss senator, a European princess, senior United Nations officials, members of parliament, senior religious figures, cultural leaders, and a veteran theater director. They were joined by senior aviation executives, an Olympic silver medalist, and an array of cultural leaders.
Masterclass in Precision and Artistic Grace
For many viewers, Shen Yun opened the door to an entirely new artistic world, instantly capturing their attention through its flawless technique and expressive storytelling.
The performance’s seamless mix of energy and elegance also stood out to Corine Moinat, former president of the Board of Directors for Geneva Airport. She shared how much she loved the contrast, noting that “it’s very poetic, and at the same time, also very dynamic. ”
That sentiment was shared by legendary Swiss figure skater and Olympic silver medalist Stéphane Lambiel, who watched the performance with a professional eye for physical discipline and artistic sensitivity.
“It was very delicate; there was a lot of precision,” Mr. Lambiel highlighted. “The atmosphere was very magical. I really appreciated the overall sensitivity of all the artists. I found their lightness remarkable. At times, we felt like they were almost flying.”
Other audience members echoed this ethereal impression. “I feel like the performers are flying,” noted one viewer, while another added, “It’s extraordinary how light on their feet they are; it feels like they’re barely touching the ground. There is this sense of calm that reigns throughout the entire show.”
Princess’s Perspective: Tradition, Courage, and Resisting Communism
Some of the most profound reflections came from Princess Françoise Sturdza, founder of the Heart for India Foundation. For the Romanian-born princess, Shen Yun was far more than a beautiful production—it was a performance anchored by a vital, courageous mission that directly confronts modern tyranny.Princess Sturdza spoke candidly about the performance’s depiction of modern human rights issues under the current Chinese regime, emphasizing the stark contrast between traditional culture and the scars left by the ruling communist party.
“It is obviously the damage caused by communism that many people have forgotten, ignored, or refuse to see,” she stated openly. “[Communism] is an ideology that destroys the world, destroys human beings, and destroys the soul.”
She especially praised the dedication of the young performers who defy the tide to keep tradition alive.
“Today’s world lacks reference points, lacks history, lacks knowledge; it no longer respects anything. For me, that’s where it all starts: respect. We need strength—moral strength, inner strength, strength of the soul,” the princess observed. “These young people are taking the risk of going against the grain of today’s world. Most people are asleep… [Shen Yun] shows that even in the greatest pain, if you connect with the spiritual and the eternal dimension, it’s right there.”
Values, Humanity, and Spiritual Reflection
The deeper moral and spiritual themes of the performance resonated strongly with regional religious and elected leaders, who found the show’s core messages both timely and necessary.
This sense of higher purpose and protection was echoed by singer and music teacher Eli Schewa Dreyfus, who felt a powerful spiritual harmony in the theater.
Mr. Proz offered a similarly transcendent reflection: “For me, it comes from Heaven to Earth, for the whole Earth.”
For Frédéric Saenger, a member of the Grand Council of Geneva, the performance provided a welcome reminder of the shared values that connect humanity. He noted that there was a “rather universalist aspect that I really liked.”
Cultural Discovery and a Dream of Traditional China
Shen Yun was founded in 2006 in New York by a group of leading classical Chinese artists, with a mission to restore the beauty and goodness of pre-communist China. Swiss audiences appreciated the rare opportunity to experience authentic, traditional Chinese culture.Mr. Proz noted that the performance delivers a universal healing power desperately needed today. “I think we all need them, especially now, all over the world. I don’t think it’s just in China. I think these are messages that would do good all over the world if people could follow them. So we hope things will get a little better in the world.”
For those who have not yet experienced the magic of the production, company director Robio Siazi offered a heartfelt invitation to see it firsthand.
“I would advise anyone to come and see the show: to see the colors, to truly see the Chinese world—how we have always dreamed of it,” Mr. Siazi shared, noting how the vivid imagery even brought back fond childhood memories of looking at Chinese designs as a boy. “And here, you can see that traditional Chinese culture is truly being brought to life.”
As the curtains closed on the season, it was clear that Shen Yun had built a real connection with its Swiss audience. For returning viewers like former computer developer Huguette Neuffer, the performance has become a wonderful tradition.
