TOULOUSE, France—Audience members at the Zénith Métropole Toulouse on April 25 shared their feelings about the highly-acclaimed Shen Yun Performing Arts, which combines classical Chinese dance, a live orchestra, and a celebration of the spiritual values of traditional China.

Among the audience members was Gérard Béziat, a retired management consultant, who had come to see Shen Yun for the first time with his wife. Deeply moved by the performance, he summed up his feelings simply.

“There are two words that are important: it’s both dazzling and so moving. The emotion is very powerful.”

For Mr. Béziat, the artists’ skill level was a real revelation. He emphasized that Shen Yun’s performance went far beyond mere physical feats.

“At first glance, you might think of acrobats. But in fact, it’s much more than that. There’s a subtlety to it that you don’t find in traditional acrobatics. And it’s all about subtlety—even sensuality, I’d say. Very interesting.”

Chinese classical dance is indeed based on a comprehensive system of training for both body and mind. It incorporates not only technique but also “yun (韻)”—the cultivation of a performer’s personal bearing, or inner charm, that shines through their every movement.

“The core value is the divine … The divine is always present in the dance, in the messages, and in everything that is performed, in fact,” he said.

“The costumes are wonderful, very diverse, with a delicate harmony—and the colors as well. It truly reflects the refinement that is characteristic of Chinese art in general.”

Each Shen Yun performance features costumes inspired by different Chinese dynasties, regions, and ethnic minorities, taking the audience on a cultural journey through time and space.

“For me, that’s also what makes the show so special. And I think the mix of classical and Chinese instruments really adds something extra.”

The Shen Yun Orchestra combines the power of Western symphonic music with the delicate sounds of traditional Chinese instruments such as the erhu and the pipa, creating a unique musical world.

Beyond its visual beauty, Mr. Béziat believes that the production conveys a message that is essential in today’s world.

Standing beside him, his wife of 60 years, Magda Béziat, spoke emotionally about what she had just experienced. She shared her sense of wonder at Shen Yun.

“My eyes, my ears, my soul were filled with the most absolute joy. We forgot we were on earth—it was spectacular.”

She particularly appreciated how the different elements of the show complemented one another.

“The music, of course, was the perfect complement to the whole experience. Because dance is magnificent but it needs to be surrounded by the symphony, by the music. So it was complete. There was the music, there was the dance, and there were the splendid costumes.”

Mrs. Béziat struggled to find the right words to describe how she felt. “I don’t have the words to describe something that truly took my breath away.”

She said she felt an extraordinary, almost heavenly atmosphere.

“More than just the kindness, I found myself in a world of my own. I felt as though I wasn’t really there anymore, as though I were in heaven, in the midst of something I might find in the afterlife.”

For her, Shen Yun addresses a deep need of today’s society.

“It transported us to another world, and we need that in these times when materialism, money, and vulgarity are—unfortunately—part of our modern society.”

When asked what Shen Yun offers the world, her answer was immediate: “I’d say beauty, and hope for a better world.”

Another impressed audience member, Christian Rivaud, a retired aerospace engineer, praised Shen Yun’s artistry.

“I thought it was a beautiful show—truly impressive, with dancers who are incredibly talented, to say the least, featuring majestic jumps and splendid sets.”

He also enjoyed the music.

“The orchestra is beautiful. The music, too, is sort of a blend of the two—Western and Asian, you might say.”

Having lived in China for five years, Mr. Rivaud expressed a particular appreciation for the cultural dimension of the performance and the importance of recognizing this ancient culture.

“I discovered so many things—so many ways of being, and different forms of meditation as well. I found it to be a beautiful culture … I believe that’s what matters most: recognizing this culture of the past, accepting it, and living with it in peace, while also embracing modernity.”

In his view, Shen Yun conveys a deeply uplifting message.

“You can feel the kindness, you can feel the desire for peace, love, and serenity. And a sense of confidence in the future, too,” he said.

“It’s wonderful to see these stunning images. And then, there’s perhaps the spirit that emerges from them—a sense of universal peace for humanity.”