SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun ‘Brings out a Natural Tranquillity,’ Says Theatergoer in Edinburgh

Feb 11, 2026

2/11/2026Updated: 2/11/2026

EDINBURGH, U.K.—Principal engineer Ronald Ghiradella had eagerly anticipated attending Shen Yun Performing Arts since purchasing tickets for the company’s evening performance at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Feb. 10.

The performance proved to be everything he had hoped for.

“I was blown away,” Mr. Ghiradella said. “I was so totally enjoying all the colors and the coordination and the dance movements, and I love a live orchestra. To me, that always makes a performance that much better.”

Founded in 2006 by elite Chinese artists who fled persecution, the New York-based Shen Yun is dedicated to reviving the beauty and virtues of pre-communist China. Its performance takes the audience through China’s dynasties and legends, while also raising awareness of ongoing human rights challenges in present-day China.

Each of Shen Yun’s eight equally sized companies includes a live orchestra that accompanies the dancers. Built on a foundation of classical Western orchestration, Shen Yun’s original compositions feature traditional Chinese instruments such as the two-stringed erhu and the pipa, an ancient lute.

Listening to the music, Mr. Ghiradella said, “I just felt uplifted. It made me feel in the moment, and just very fortunate to be here witnessing all of that.”

“I just thought [about] how much precision there was between the music and the dance movements and all of the expression—it must take so much effort and training to get that all just perfectly right.”

He was also pleased to learn that, in addition to refining their artistry, Shen Yun’s performers strive to cultivate inner character and uphold the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance in their daily lives.

“There was a natural flow to [their performance.] It brings out a natural tranquillity when you see the movement, and you see how beautifully and naturally it comes out,” he expressed.

“Especially the dance with the water sleeves, I thought that was so beautiful. I think [Shen Yun] perfectly captured the essence of that dance.”

The “water sleeves” were a feature of ancient Chinese feminine attire, symbolizing humility and grace. Light and airy, they billow and flow on stage, evoking the gentle movement of water.

Mr. Ghiradella also appreciated the spiritual dimension of the performance and admired Shen Yun’s efforts to revive China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture.

“I loved the references to Taoism and Laozi and that whole philosophy. I thought it was brilliantly done,” he shared.

“When the tenor was singing, there was a very spiritual message on the [3D digital backdrop.] I was actually quite surprised by that because I think a lot of Americans, especially, have an impression of China that doesn’t embody some of those feelings.”

Summing up the experience, Mr. Ghiradella said the evening was very inspiring.

“It made me think that I need to slow down a little bit,” he shared. “I need to take more things in the moment and focus a little bit more on my spirituality.”

Reporting by NTD and Jennifer Tseng.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.