“I really liked the presentations of each tableau, which explained the traditions, the reasons behind them, and their history. It’s really helpful when you’re not familiar with this Chinese art form.”

‘We Can Learn a Lot from the Traditions of Yesteryear’

Based in New York, Shen Yun artists are rigorously trained in classical Chinese dance, an ancient discipline spanning several millennia. Known for its athleticism and expressive power, this art form is the origin of many of the jumps, spins, and acrobatic techniques now associated with gymnastics and acrobatics.

As the company emphasizes, classical Chinese dance taught in contemporary China is largely influenced by military and modern elements. Shen Yun stands out by offering audiences a preserved and authentic version of this heritage, passed down from generation to generation, far removed from the transformations imposed by the current regime.

For Ms. Roch, this immersion in ancient traditions resonates with our modern world: “We must look to the past in order to build the future. And here, we can learn a lot from the traditions of yesteryear.”

Universal Values Brought to Light

“You can feel that there is always kindness. I learned a lot; for example, I didn’t know that Chinese dance already included these pirouettes and techniques,” Ms. Roch said.

These values find particular resonance in certain paintings that address a much darker reality: the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution of Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong. This story is closely linked to the origins of Shen Yun and directly affects many of the company’s artists. According to a recent survey conducted among them, 92 artists reported having relatives directly affected by this persecution: parents, uncles, aunts—and sometimes themselves—have been imprisoned, sent to labor camps, tortured, or subjected to threats, expulsion from school, and family separation.

Faced with paintings depicting this repression and the principles of Falun Dafa—truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance—Ms. Roch said, “I think it’s courageous. Courageous to dare to show it, to say it, to condemn it through art, culture, and these performances.”

“In the West, we have the freedom to believe whatever we want. I think it should be like that everywhere,” she added.

Magnificent: ‘From Start to Finish’

If Ms. Roch were to recommend Shen Yun to her friends and family, her answer would be simple and enthusiastic: “It’s magnificent, and you won’t be bored from start to finish!”

In Geneva, as elsewhere, Shen Yun captivates audiences by combining artistic beauty, historical depth, and human testimony, reminding us that art can be a memory, an inspiration, and a voice for those who cannot express themselves freely. After Geneva, the company will perform in Paris from Jan. 23 to 26, where all six performances are already sold out.