NEW YORK—Sean Skinner, a professional ice hockey coach, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on April 5 at The David H. Koch Theater.
“I’ve never seen anything like it before. I’ve seen a lot of [dance styles]. [Shen Yun] was really unique,” Mr. Skinner said.
Shen Yun is based in New York, and its artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.
“I was very impressed,” Mr. Skinner said, adding that he really liked the “Water Sleeves” dance.
Shen Yun’s use of its digital backdrop is patented.
“The combination with the screen and coming in and out—that was a technical stunt. That was really cool,” said Mr. Skinner, who has trained both NHL and Olympic athletes.
Shen Yun’s singers are trained in bel canto technique, and the digital backdrop provides a translation of the Chinese text being sung.
“That was so cool that they did the translation on the screen so you could see what she was saying,” Mr. Skinner said.
Dina Solis at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at The David H. Koch Theater on April 5, 2026. Sally Sun/The Epoch Times
Dina Solis, a sales manager, was also in the audience for this matinee performance. She came with her family of 12.
“It’s multi-dimensional, it’s history, it’s music, it’s culture, costumes, artistic, it’s everything—everything in one show,” Ms. Solis said.
The technology’s versatility allows the set to change scenes in the blink of an eye, giving the stage endless possibilities.
“I love the stories. I love that they come out of the screen, and you jump into the screen. How do they even do that? It’s amazing,” Ms. Solis said.
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.
Ms. Solis, a subscriber to the Epoch Times, has been aware of the crimes of the Chinese Communist Party.
“I think most Americans, unless you live [in China], are not aware. They can’t imagine that somebody could be walking down the street and they grab you, throw you in a van, and they take your organs. People probably don’t even believe it,” Ms. Solis said.
The Shen Yun Orchestra, which tours with Shen Yun, is a unique combination of traditional Chinese instruments and a classic Western ensemble.
“I love that music … It goes to my heart,” Ms. Solis said.
Reporting by Frank Liang, Sally Sun, and Maria Han.
