BILBAO, Spain— “This performance touches the heart, brings inspiration, and moves you deeply. At certain moments, it makes you feel as if you are in heaven, and it makes you reflect and think about everything they are telling,” said dance school director Ainhoa Zamora Roel after attending Shen Yun.
On the evening of March 5, 2026, Ms. Zamora attended Shen Yun Performing Arts’ third local performance of the 2026 season at the Palacio Euskalduna in Bilbao, a city in northern Spain.
Ms. Zamora is the director and artistic director of a dance school in Bilbao and also manages dance competitions in the city. She holds an official degree in classical ballet from the Royal Conservatory of Dance and Dramatic Art in Madrid. She has also received scholarships to further her training at prestigious institutions in New York, London, and other international cultural centers.
As a professional dancer and educator, Ms. Zamora said she was deeply impressed by the high level demonstrated by Shen Yun’s artists.
“First of all, the artists are very young and extremely talented, with impressive coordination. You can clearly see the strong technical foundation they have in classical Chinese dance, which must come from a great deal of rehearsal. And then there’s the elegance, which is such a distinctive feature of classical Chinese dance—that was actually what attracted me most to the show.”
Viewing the performance through a professional lens, Ms. Zamora said she noticed many details that might escape the average audience member. In particular, she was struck by how the dancers combined power and subtlety to create a deeply moving effect.
“There were moments when they performed very powerful movements—big jumps and incredible flexibility—and then, with just a facial expression or a simple gesture of the hands, they could reach you just the same. The combination is spectacular, incredible!”
This refined artistry also inspired her own professional work.
“The way they combine strength and softness is very inspiring. Sometimes, dancing something gentle and elegant can move people just as much as something very powerful. Seeing how they combine the two is extraordinary.”
Beyond the dance techniques, Ms. Zamora was also struck by the production’s artistic richness.
The overall atmosphere of the performance left her feeling uplifted.
“You feel this rising energy throughout the whole show. It’s very beautiful. Honestly, the two hours went by incredibly fast.”
She added that the show also sparked creative ideas for her own work.
“It gave me a lot of inspiration in terms of style and costumes. I left the theater feeling happy and full of ideas.”
The traditional values conveyed in the performance also resonated with her. Ms. Zamora said such messages are particularly meaningful in today’s society.
“These values are very relevant. Today, we consume everything so quickly and pay very little attention to things or to people. Our minds are often focused on consumerism. The show reminds you to pay attention to daily life, to be happy with the little things you have, and not to think that the more you have, the happier you’ll be.”
As a dancer herself, Ms. Zamora also expressed deep admiration for the artists.
“I have tremendous respect for their work. The coordination is incredible—everyone is so synchronized. I take my hat off to them. I hope they continue doing this wonderful work and bring even more performances, because it is truly admirable.”
Finally, she warmly recommended the performance to the public.
“What makes this show special is the music, the dancers, and the message it conveys. You really shouldn’t miss it. It’s a show you have to come and see in person.”
