SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Rosemont Theatergoers See Beauty and History in Shen Yun

Mar 27, 2026

3/27/2026Updated: 3/27/2026

CHICAGO—Laurie Martinez Ollech and D.R. Ollech saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on March 26 at The Rosemont Theatre.

“I love this show. I come every season. It’s beautiful,” shared Ms. Martinez. This season is her third time seeing Shen Yun.

Laurie Martinez Ollech and D.R. Ollech at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at Chicago's Rosemont Theatre on March 26, 2026. (Michael Huang/The Epoch Times) — Laurie Martinez Ollech and D.R. Ollech at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at Chicago's Rosemont Theatre on March 26, 2026. Michael Huang/The Epoch Times

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.

“It’s very much like ballet. And I love that. All the arm movements—they’re beautiful,” said Ms. Martinez, a former actress.

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.

“The dancing is beautiful. That’s what I enjoy the most. The lighting is wonderful,” said Ms. Martinez, adding that she was very impressed with the spinning and tumbling techniques.

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.

“The merging of technology and the tranquility and grace of the dancing—it’s a blend, and I like that,” said Mr. Ollech, a construction manager.

Tim Sarver and his girlfriend, Marissa Barnhill, were also in the audience for this matinee performance.

Tim Sarver and Marissa Barnhill at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at Chicago's Rosemont Theatre on March 26, 2026. (Michael Huang/The Epoch Times) — Tim Sarver and Marissa Barnhill at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at Chicago's Rosemont Theatre on March 26, 2026. Michael Huang/The Epoch Times

“I like the historical approach to telling a narrative. I thought it was pretty informative and pretty interesting,” said Mr. Sarver, a solutions architect.

Shen Yun is on a mission to present “China before communism,” and revive people’s connection with 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and culture.

“I like learning about the tradition and culture and kind of what the people in China are going through,” said Ms. Barnhill, a market analyst.

Chinese culture is 5,000 years old, yet most of the world only recognizes the last seven or eight decades.

Mr. Sarver has recently learned more about Chinese history.

“I have a great appreciation for [Shen Yun’s] effort because I think traditional cultures everywhere are being slowly revived. I think China has a lot to contribute to world civilization,” he said.

Reporting by Michael Huang 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.