BURGOS, Spain—“It was extraordinary—absolutely incredible, like something out of a dream.”
After watching Shen Yun Performing Arts, university professor Esther García López could not stop praising the performance. She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the company’s artistic director, calling the performance “a work of genius.” Her husband, Daniel Leal, shared the sentiment: “Thank you for the gift you have just given us.”
Ms. García López was particularly struck by how the company presents traditional culture on stage. “What stood out to me most is how delicately this group brings Chinese tradition to the world—it truly moved me,” she said. “They tell small stories that bring us closer to traditional Chinese culture. I especially appreciated that they also shared their own story as a group. I enjoyed it immensely—it was amazing.”
Mr. Leal also praised the performance, saying it was “truly wonderful,” and adding, “Honestly, I don’t have the words to describe it.” He was especially impressed by its visual impact. “Without a doubt, the colors—the vivid colors, the style of dance, and the sense of something new and unfamiliar.”
Ms. García López added that Shen Yun’s unique staging further enhanced the experience. “The combination of the performers and the background—I don’t quite know how to describe it. When they blended everything with the animated backdrop, it was perfect.”
She also noted the vocal and instrumental elements as a meaningful addition. “I expected the dancing, but I didn’t expect the tenor or the virtuoso instrumentalist. It was completely unexpected and felt like a complement to the overall performance.”
Through classical Chinese, folk, and story-based dances, Shen Yun brings to life traditional values such as filial piety, kindness, truthfulness, and loyalty.
Ms. García López praised this mission as “truly admirable.” She added, “This may be one of the few genuine ways to preserve this cultural heritage in such an authentic form.”
Mr. Leal agreed, particularly on the importance of values. “Yes, especially when it comes to values, recovering them would be meaningful—especially for young people. The next generation should rediscover true values,” he said.
Ms. García López emphasized that such values remain relevant today. “I believe it is very important—I truly do,” she said. “In a way, they are bringing these values to the world, and that is meaningful. What they are doing is very valuable.”
She added, “These are our roots. It’s important to at least understand them and reflect on the role they play in our lives and the decisions we make.”
Mr. Leal noted that these values are often overlooked in modern society. “I think that’s exactly what we are losing—and perhaps that is why we struggle to find inner peace,” he said.
The name Shen Yun means “the beauty of divine beings dancing.” Mr. Leal said he felt a connection to the divine during the performance.
“There was a moment when a figure appeared like an angel—I wondered whether it was God or an angel, and in the end, I concluded it was God,” he said. “That left a deep impression on me, because I wasn’t expecting it.”
In closing, both said they would strongly recommend Shen Yun to friends and family. Ms. García López said, “Let’s start right away—go see it. It’s a golden opportunity to experience traditional Chinese culture and spirituality.”
