ORLANDO, Fla.—Austin Ekonomou saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on April 27 at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
“I think as an American, it’s my honor to support those who share our values,” said Mr. Ekonomou, a healthcare specialist.
Shen Yun, based in New York, is on a mission to present “China before communism,” and revive people’s connection with 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and culture.
“It’s nice to see the actual culture behind the Chinese culture, since there is about 5,000 years of history. All that we see usually is after about 1954. It’s all we’re usually taught about nowadays, so it’s good to see the actual spirit and heart of the Chinese people,” Mr. Ekonomou said.
Shen Yun’s artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.
“It’s breathtaking, seeing the traditional dances. You can see how much hard work all the young people [put in],” Mr. Ekonomou said.
Mr. Ekonomou enjoyed the dance, “Peacock Paradise.”
“One thing that I noticed was the phoenix they had on the screen, which is really nice to see,” he said.
“Anything that I see coming out of China now is usually about a revolution and nothing about what happened before that. So, seeing what China was actually built on, it was very interesting,” he shared.
Austin Ekonomou, with a guest, attended the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on April 27, 2026. Nancy Ma/The Epoch Times
Shen Yun uses classical Chinese dance to tell stories from China’s five millennia. Its dance stories also portray the modern true story of Falun Dafa practitioners being persecuted for their faith in China. Falun Dafa is a peaceful practice that teaches the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
“I think that was very impactful. I don’t think enough people know about the forced organ harvesting that’s been going on. So that part I really was happy was a part of the performance, so that it shows everyone else that’s here that didn’t know beforehand,” Mr. Ekonomou.
Shan Rose, member of the Orlando City Council, was also in the audience this evening.
“It’s amazing. I’m into arts and culture and dance, and so the spirit of celebrating culture is really important to me. So, I’m glad to celebrate [Shen Yun’s] 20th anniversary, but even more glad that you guys continue to choose Orlando,” Ms. Rose said.
Understanding Shen Yun’s recent difficulties in multiple cities around the world, Ms. Rose expressed her support.
“Thank you for all you do. Good luck and thank you for continuing to show your culture and heritage here in the city of Orlando,” she said.
Reporting by Nancy Man, NTD, and Maria Han.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
