For Mr. Bruneau, this first experience proved to be particularly memorable. “I wasn’t bored for a single minute. […] It’s truly magnificent, and I think the performers are absolutely amazing,” he said after the performance.
Drawn to China for several years—particularly because of his son’s professional experience in Hong Kong—he discovered an art form that goes beyond mere entertainment.
“I’m very moved. […] I had tears in my eyes at the end,” he said, referring in particular to the power of the final scene.
Beyond the aesthetics, he sensed a more universal dimension: “All Chinese paintings move me. […] I’m very happy to have taken part and to have seen this performance.”
He also emphasized the connection he feels between this culture and fundamental values: “I find that Chinese culture is very close to nature and to human beings.”
As he left the room, the mayor described a deep sense of calm: “I feel good, I feel at peace […] rested.”
According to him, the show showcases “the beauty of the landscapes, the beauty of human beings,” as well as “human beings’ capacity to surpass themselves.”
He also emphasized the importance of preserving traditions, a central theme of the performance: “Preserving traditions is wonderful.”
Impressed, he said he’s ready to do it again: “I’m ready to come back next year.”
Every year, Shen Yun presents an entirely new production, featuring new choreography, music, costumes, and stories inspired by traditional Chinese culture.
He also pointed out that the other participants on the trip shared his enthusiasm: “Everyone really, really enjoyed it […] it’s wonderful.”
‘Truly Heavenly, Utterly Intoxicating’
Among the sold-out audience, Brigitte Etay, the director of a dental products company, was also captivated by Shen Yun. “The performance is magnificent—it’s relaxing, elegant, classy, and sublime,” she said.As a lover of Asian culture, Ms. Etay said that she has rediscovered on stage “elegance and respect”—qualities she believes are now under threat in Western societies.
In classical Chinese dance, every gesture carries meaning, and every movement tells a story. The performers embody heroic, mythological, or historical figures, bringing a culture thousands of years old to life.
For Ms. Etay, the performance conveyed, above all, essential human values. “This performance radiates a great deal of kindness, compassion, generosity, and warmth—which is exactly what humanity as a whole should be like,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of preserving traditions in a changing world: “It’s very important to preserve traditions and customs […] it restores confidence and renews our enthusiasm.”
In her view, Shen Yun conveys a message of hope: “A desire to believe that humanity is, after all, beautiful and must be saved.”
After a long journey to see the performance, she leaves feeling enriched: “It feels so liberating. I took a two-and-a-half-hour train ride to come see this performance. And now I’m heading back for another two-and-a-half-hour train ride home, but with so many beautiful images in my mind’s eye.”
“We’ll be back next year,” Ms. Etay said.
