NEWARK, N.J.—Retired company vice president Nancy Curkez enjoyed Shen Yun Performing Arts’ matinee at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on April 30.

She thought it was a very uplifting experience that enriches your soul.

“It’s a valuable experience. Everyone should get to see it. But not only that, it’s a very good message. We don’t want to become communists in this country,” she said.

“The orchestra was fabulous. I really respect the dancers, and the costuming is great. I still want to find out what is the fabric of the skirts.”

Its program consists of a series of short pieces that take its audience on a ride through the dynasties and across the vast regions of China. Using classical Chinese, folk, and ethnic dances, as well as solo musical performances.

Shen Yun is showcasing China before communism, but “our young people only know the current China … we only see the business aspect of it, the friendliness, that kind of thing.  ... It’s a struggle for them. It’s unfortunate.”

In the decades since the communist regime seized power, Chinese culture was forced to the brink of extinction. Shen Yun artists are now seeking to revive China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture and showcase to the world the beauty of China before communism.

Ms. Curkez is very supportive of the company’s mission and believes that modern societies can definitely benefit from the traditional values and kindness shown in the performance.

“I do feel that our societies have got to come back to being family-oriented, and have a belief in God. I think that’s very important,” she said.

As Shen Yun wraps up its 2025 season, its eight touring companies have brought breathtaking performances to over 200 cities around the globe.