SEATTLE—Michael Celletti, a jewelry business owner, was deeply impressed by Shen Yun Performing Arts at its third performance of the 2026 season at Marion Oliver McCaw Hall on April 3.

Experiencing the production for the first time, Mr. Celletti praised the dancers, music, costumes, and storytelling, calling the entire performance “great art, absolutely extraordinary!” He lauded the performers for conveying powerful energy and faith while presenting traditional Chinese culture with artistry, positivity, and heart.

“Unparalleled! So much detail,” he said, marveling at the meticulous attention to detail throughout the production. “You can tell that a tremendous amount of effort went into it. Very, very professional.”

For thousands of years, Chinese culture was deeply spiritual in nature. That changed only in recent decades with the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and its promotion of atheism.

Mr. Celletti noted the energy and faith conveyed by the performers, which he found deeply moving. “You can really feel that the artists have faith and that they are strongly motivated,” he said. “Their faith truly inspires them—it’s very impressive.”

Shen Yun was founded by Chinese expats who fled persecution of their faith, Falun Gong, by the communist regime in China. Falun Gong teaches meditation and promotes living in accordance with the values of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, with Shen Yun’s artists saying their faith inspires their work.

Reflecting on Shen Yun’s mission to revive traditional Chinese culture, he said, “I thought about different cultures and which ones have survived for so long—there aren’t many. When you love justice and show mercy, that culture will endure. It’s a good thing.”

Since its founding in 2006, Shen Yun has faced ongoing interference from the Chinese Communist Party. These efforts have included pressuring theaters to cancel shows, attempting to influence local officials, harassing the families of performers in China, spreading disinformation online, issuing bomb threats, and damaging touring equipment. More than 130 such incidents have been documented worldwide.

This sustained campaign stems from Shen Yun’s mission to revive China’s traditions, which the Communist Party has long sought to replace with its own ideology.

Mr. Celletti praised the artists’ positive approach in the face of challenges. “They are making a stand for their life and their way,” he said. “Instead of responding with negativity, they do it with art, positivity, and love. It’s truly wonderful.”

He enthusiastically wanted to recommend the performance to friends and family. “We came knowing it would be special. We’re very pleased. The production is professional, beautiful, and at the same time, it feels like family.

“Of course I would recommend it,” he said.

Finally, he extended his heartfelt thanks to the performers. “Thank you for all your hard work,” he said.