SAN FRANCISCO—Business owner Todd Howe and his wife first learned about Shen Yun Performing Arts while attending a wine festival. They purchased the tickets and watched the company’s matinee performance at the War Memorial Opera House on Jan. 4.
New York-based Shen Yun is the world’s top classical Chinese dance and music company. Since its establishment in 2006, it has earned widespread acclaim around the world.
According to its website, Shen Yun’s patented 3D digital technology works together with the performers to “extend the stage to infinite realms” and brings to its audience “storytelling without limits.”
“Everything’s perfect,” he said. “When you have the interaction between the dancers and [the backdrop] that’s impressive. That was really good.”
Although he was not previously familiar with Chinese culture or spirituality, Mr. Howe said he enjoyed learning about it through the performance.
“I know all the musicians are [sitting in the orchestra pit] down there, but [the music] seems like it’s been prerecorded—not that it has,” he said. “It’s absolutely perfect.”
For its 2026 touring season, Shen Yun’s eight equally-sized companies will be performing in over 200 cities across five continents. The artists return each year with a brand-new set of choreography and musical compositions, ensuring there’s always something new for both first-time and returning audience members alike.
