SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun Performing Arts Is ‘An Eye-Opener,’ Says Texas Theatergoer

Jan 10, 2026

1/10/2026Updated: 1/10/2026

SAN ANTONIO—Retired Master Sergeant Gabriel Moreno purchased tickets to Shen Yun Performing Arts’ Jan. 9 show at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts as a Christmas gift for his wife, Anastasia, who is also a former Air Force member.

A big fan of the performing arts, Mrs. Moreno was thrilled to experience Shen Yun for the first time. The couple found the evening both inspiring and educational.

“I’m loving it so far. I’m really enjoying it,” Mrs. Moreno said during intermission. “A beautiful performance. I like the music, I like the language, I like the history, and the live act is beautiful.”

Mr. Moreno shared her enthusiasm. He thought the program “is fantastic.” “It’s very theatrical and very vibrant. I absolutely love it,” he said.

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 performance is comprised of a series of short pieces that takes 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 tells tales from ancient times to the modern day.

Mrs. Moreno was especially impressed by the live orchestra that accompanied each dance. According to the company’s website, Shen Yun’s orchestra is the first in the world to permanently combine ancient Chinese and Western instruments.

“I just love the orchestra,” Mrs. Moreno shared. “It’s beautiful to listen to. It’s very soothing. I enjoy it. It’s a great performance.”

She also appreciated the artists’ commitment to restoring traditional culture and moral values.

Commenting on the evening’s various story-based dances, which depict both legends from ancient times as well as raise awareness for the ongoing human rights issues in China today, Mrs. Moreno said, “The messages are very well received.”

“It’s an experience to learn from. I’m learning from it as well,” she added. “I see a lot of pride for the history [of China, and the artists’ desire] to make sure the next generation understands what everybody has gone through and lived through, and don’t want them to forget anything, [even though] some current battles are still out there.”

She is sad to learn that Shen Yun is banned by the Chinese Communist Party from performing in China. In fact, many of the company’s founding artists fled the country to escape persecution.

“It was an eye-opener to see that it’s still happening,” she said. “I’m aware of it, but the fact that not even something as simple as putting on [Shen Yun] over there is allowed, to me is [shocking.]”

The Morenos said they would enthusiastically recommend Shen Yun to friends and family.

“I would absolutely recommend,” Mr. Moreno said. “If [people] could take one piece away, it would be that [Shen Yun] could teach their kids.”

Reporting by Jane Yang 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.