SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Oxford Audience Loves Shen Yun’s Insight Into Traditional Chinese Culture

Jan 09, 2026

1/9/2026Updated: 1/9/2026

OXFORD, UK—Julian Jackson, a manager, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on Jan. 8 at the New Theatre.

“The choreography was excellent, very colorful, very vibrant. Obviously, we loved the dancing. We loved the insights of Chinese traditional culture and Chinese traditional dance. So all in all an excellent show,” Mr. Jackson said.

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.

“In terms of a really good performance, [Shen Yun] brings those different strands together, that spirituality, that culture, that technical expertise, that artisticness, and obviously combines to really an excellent show,” Mr. Jackson said.

Shen Yun’s website says, “China was once known as ‘The Land of the Divine.’ This reflected a belief that its glorious culture was brought down from above.”

“Chinese culture is so rich, and in terms of people in the West, they know very little. So it’s a very educational experience,” Mr. Jackson said.

The artists are trained in Classical Chinese dance. Shen Yun’s website states that Classical Chinese dance training includes three main components—technical skill, form, and bearing, which is one of the many ways that classical Chinese dance is different from ballet.

“In terms of the dance, it’s multi-faceted, multi-dimensional. … I love this … each kind of component, each story,” Mr. Jackson said.

Aside from classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun’s artists are also trained in various Chinese ethnic and folk dance styles.

“They are different, and it’s good to see the differences in Chinese culture and ethnicities. It’s excellent,” Mr. Jackson said.

Barkey Pilkington and Tom Pilkington at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at the New Theatre on Jan. 8, 2026. (Mary Man/The Epoch Times) — Barkey Pilkington and Tom Pilkington at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at the New Theatre on Jan. 8, 2026. Mary Man/The Epoch Times

Barley and Tom Pilkington were also in the audience for this matinee performance.

“I’m very inspired! My daughter is a ballet dancer, so I think I'll bring her to come and see, because I think the movement is so inspiring, and it will be great for her to see how the East represents classical dancing, because we’re only used to European ways. So, I think it will be good for my daughter to see the difference,” said Ms. Pilkington, a behavioral analyst.

Shen Yun’s use of its digital backdrop is patented. The versatility of the technology allows the set to change scenes in the blink of an eye, giving the stage endless possibilities.

“Interesting how they move from the stage onto the screen and then back from the screen onto the stage. I think that was a really nice touch

Ms. Pilkington shared that they drove two hours to see Shen Yun, and they don’t regret making the trip at all.

“They’re excellent work! It’s beautiful to watch! They’re so inspiring! The movement, you can tell they’ve really spent their life dedicated to their art, and you can really tell. It’s beautiful to watch! I’ve driven two and a half hours to come and watch it, and I will do it again! It was absolutely perfect,” she said.

Reporting by Mary Man 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.