technology, enjoys Shen Performing Arts at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, Canada, on March 28, 2026. Daniella Wollensak/The Epoch Times
TORONTO—On the evening of March 28, Shen Yun Performing Arts presented a sold-out performance at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, Canada.
The theater was filled to capacity, and audience members responded with enthusiasm throughout the evening. And as the curtain fell, the entire audience rose to their feet in a sustained standing ovation.
Applause and cheers resonated throughout the theater as the artists returned to the stage for multiple curtain calls, a testament to the audience’s deep appreciation for Shen Yun’s exceptional artistry and profound cultural richness.
Among those in attendance was patent agent Jay Millman, who experienced the performance through a uniquely professional lens. Having secured the patent for Shen Yun’s dynamic backdrop technology, he was seeing the innovation brought to life on stage for the first time. He said he was deeply impressed by Shen Yun’s innovative execution and its powerful revival of traditional culture.
“It was fantastic,” Mr. Millman said. “It was interesting to read that part of the performance was patented—and I actually secured the patent. I didn’t know it was in production at the time, so it was very cool to see it in real life.”
Seeing the technology realized on stage left a strong impression on him.
“That was the beauty of it,” he said. “I had never seen it performed live before, but that was exactly what the patent was for—and it really worked. The effect was fantastic and remarkably realistic. When performers seemed to descend from the sky and then appeared on stage, it felt seamless. The audience clearly loved it.”
Shen Yun’s animated digital backdrops depict breathtaking landscapes and vivid scenes of Chinese society, ranging from ancient to contemporary. Perfectly synchronized with the live performance, they create a visually engaging and immersive experience. The seamless synchronization enables the performers to fluidly transition between the on-screen world and the stage, often delighting the audience with big surprises.
Based in New York, Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, dedicated to reviving 5,000 years of China’s divinely inspired heritage and sharing the beauty of “China before communism.” Through classical Chinese dance—an ancient art form known for its athleticism, expressive depth, and refined elegance—Shen Yun brings to life stories from China’s history, literature, and its rich tapestry of myths and legends.
Beyond the technical innovation, Mr. Millman was struck by the distinctive qualities of the dance itself.
“I’ve seen many performances over the years, but this was my first Chinese performance,” Mr. Millman said. “The movements are different. I never realized that what we often think of as gymnastics actually has roots in Chinese dance. That was really interesting—I loved it.”
The performance also offered him a deeper cultural perspective.
“I felt a real connection to the Earth,” Mr. Millman said. “That’s something we don’t usually experience in our daily lives. It was interesting to see, and I definitely learned something about Chinese culture.”
Shen Yun also features a live orchestra that blends traditional Chinese instruments with a Western symphonic foundation—an approach that has become one of its hallmarks. Mr. Millman expressed particular appreciation for this musical fusion.
“You can hear that the instrumentation isn’t just one style—it’s a mix,” he said. “There are Chinese string instruments alongside classical Western instruments. I really enjoy that kind of fusion.”
Since its founding in 2006, Shen Yun has earned widespread acclaim around the world. Each year, the artists present an entirely new production, with original choreography and music, offering audiences a fresh experience year after year.
