TORONTO—This season, Shen Yun Performing Arts has met with adversity at many of its venues around the world. But despite the bomb threats and tire slashing, Shen Yun has returned triumphantly to Toronto. On June 26, 2026, it concluded its first of five performances at Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

“From the screen to the costumes, to the dancing, to the feet. Everything just blew my mind. I was really impressed with everything, and there was a certain calm about it. It just felt nice to sit back and watch,” said Heather Lakeman, a human resources senior manager.

Shen Yun, based in New York, is on a mission to present “China before communism,” and revive people’s connection with 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and culture.

“It was so good and the skill just blew me away. The color and the vibrance—it altogether was a fantastic show. They did a really good job. And they just made it look effortless,” Keith Lakeman said.

Shen Yun’s artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.

“They just made it look like it was so easy. It was fantastic. They all did a fantastic job,” Mr. Lakeman said.

Out of all the dances, one that left a deep impression told the true story of Falun Dafa practitioners following the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Despite their goodness, they are being persecuted for their faith in present-day China.

As a mom of three boys, Mrs. Lakeman was drawn to this dance story.

“My heart went out to the mom watching her son go through that,” she said.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) began persecuting Falun Dafa in 1999, when the practice had risen quickly in popularity. Shen Yun uses its art to raise awareness of the crimes against humanity happening in China today.

“As Christians, we’re not oppressed like that. So when you see persecutions other countries are going through, it’s devastating. To see that in living color and representation is powerful,” Mr. Lakeman said.

“The orchestra—they were flawless,” Mr. Lakeman said.

He appreciated hearing Shen Yun’s traditional Chinese instruments. Shen Yun’s live orchestra showcases instruments such as the pipa, erhu, and various Chinese percussion instruments.

Shen Yun’s use of its digital backdrop is patented. The versatility of the technology allows the set to change scenes in the blink of an eye, giving the stage endless possibilities.

“It was outstanding. The way they interacted with the screen—amazing,” Mr. Lakeman said.