PARIS, France—Following a series of six sold-out performances in January in Paris, Shen Yun Performing Arts is back at the Palais des Congrès de Paris, where the company has just completed four more sold-out shows. In response to this enthusiastic reception, six additional performances are scheduled for the coming days, confirming the show’s continued success in the capital.
Following the performances on May 2, several audience members shared their impressions, revealing diverse yet converging perspectives on the artistic and cultural richness of the New York-based company. Combining visual wonder, reflection on traditions, and spiritual sensitivity, Shen Yun seems to strike different chords depending on one’s sensibilities, while leaving a lasting impression.
Dr. Éric Pietri, a physician specializing in aesthetic medicine, first emphasized the intercultural dimension of the performance. “This performance is fascinating. Fascinating because it’s a meeting of cultures—China and Europe,” he said, “with a few aspects that also surprised me—not in terms of quality, because I expected that, but in terms of the open-mindedness that may not be what we assume in China, yet was presented to us today.”
The performance showcased classical Chinese dance. The art form incorporates an inner expressiveness known as “yun,” which conveys the dancer’s state of mind and emotions. Each movement is thus intended to convey a story, a value, or an intention, in an approach where body and mind are inseparable.
This aspect made a particular impression on Dr. Pietri, who described Shen Yun as an immersion in “an ancestral culture […] a perspective that should be universal.”
He also highlighted the values embodied by the artists: “Their kindness, goodness, grace, and exceptional physical and mental prowess captivated us throughout the performance.” He described the experience as “divine.”
“It’s a show that children will really enjoy,” he added.
‘It Really Blew Us Away’
Richard Bellivier and Fatima Ouatiki were among the audience at the Palais des Congrès in Paris on the evening of May 2 to see Shen Yun. NTD
Following the May 2 matinee performance, Richard Bellivier, a former business executive, and Fatima Ouatiki, a local government employee, shared their experience at Shen Yun.
Mr. Bellivier was enthusiastic about the quality of the performance, which he described as “very enjoyable, very expressive.” He emphasized the precision and refinement of the performers. “The dancers are very, very good […] and very refined.”
“It’s very interesting; it’s beautiful to watch,” he said.
Ms. Ouatiki, for her part, highlighted the visual richness of the show, noting the kaleidoscope of colors, acrobatics, and the special effects. The diversity of the scenes and live music, combined with the use of an interactive digital backdrop, contributed to the immersive experience, she said.
She was grateful to discover an artistic world she knew little about, particularly bel canto singing in the Chinese language. And she remarked at the spiritual themes in the performance, which invite introspection.
This spiritual dimension is central to traditional Chinese culture, which believes that culture was a gift from the heavens left to guide humanity back to heaven. The choreography draws inspiration from legends, historical narratives, and traditional beliefs, highlighting values such as compassion, loyalty, and reverence for the divine. Through dance, music, and costumes, these elements come to life on stage, immersing the audience in a world that is both beautiful and symbolic.
“It’s very spiritual … it transported us,” she said.
Reporting by Nathalie Dieul and translated from the French language Epoch Times by Sonia Rouleau.
