GOLD COAST, Australia—Global company manager Joanne Simonelli was moved to tears as she stepped out of Shen Yun Performing Arts’ sold-out matinee on March 1, at the HOTA Home of the Arts.
This was her first experience of Shen Yun, and she’s already planning to return for more.
“It was amazing. It was breathtaking in some parts. It actually made me cry,” she said. “The artistry was amazing. They were beautiful.”
“I‘ll certainly be telling all my friends that [Shen Yun is] something very special and I’ll definitely come back again.”
Based in New York, Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company dedicated to reviving China’s rich culture, nearly lost under decades of communist rule.
The production features a series of short pieces that take audiences on a journey through China’s dynasties and across its vast regions. Through classical Chinese, folk, and ethnic dances, as well as solo musical performances, the company tell tales from ancient times to the modern day.
In addition, the artists shed light on ongoing human rights issues in China today. Many of Shen Yun’s founding members experienced persecution for their faith at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party before immigrating to the United States.
Ms. Simonelli deeply appreciated this aspect of the performance.
“It made you feel like you’re a part of the stories,” she said. “Understanding the cultural significance and knowing what’s happening [in China,] and all of those trials and tribulations coming through to today [was very moving.]”
For its 2026 touring season, Shen Yun’s eight equally-sized companies will be performing in over 200 cities across five continents. Met with wide acclaim since its establishment in 2006, the company can be expected to return each year with a brand-new set of choreography and musical compositions.
The most memorable moment for Ms. Simonelli was the finale story-dance. The piece conveyed a hopeful message: when we uphold traditional moral values and treat each other with kindness, the divine will aid us in times of trouble.
Having loved ones in heaven, she said the piece allowed her to feel a deep connection with the divine.
Moreover, Ms. Simonelli was saddened to learn that, due to Shen Yun’s commitment to speak out for the oppressed and revive China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture, the artists are banned from performing in China.
“I kept saying to the person sitting next to me, it’s quite disappointing that they can’t perform this in their own country because it’s obviously significant,” she said. “Showing that their culture is still part of their lives, I think it’s very important.”
She encouraged the artists to continue their efforts despite the hardships they face.
“Just keep going,” Ms. Simonelli said. “We’re here to support you. I’m sure there will be thousands of people that will be able to see [your performance.]”
Shen Yun is so unique because “it makes you a part of the show. You feel like you’re going along the journey with all the different stories, and listening to the narrators tell the story before [getting] the actual visual perspective is amazing.”
