ŁÓDŹ, Poland—On the evening of Jan. 9, 2026, the U.S.-based Shen Yun Touring Company presented its first local performance of the year at the Grand Theatre in Łódź. Tickets for the show sold out well in advance. Despite freezing winter temperatures, members of Poland’s mainstream society traveled from across the country—some driving hundreds of kilometers—to experience what is often hailed as “the world’s top show.”
Shen Yun’s presentation of purity, beauty, and benevolence left audiences deeply moved. Many theatergoers remarked that stepping inside the venue felt like entering a completely different world. As the performance unfolded, viewers said they were drawn into a wondrous, almost otherworldly realm—so immersive that some described it as “hard to believe one is still in the human world,” expressing a wish to remain in the “Shen Yun world” longer.
Mr. Arkadiusz Będowski, who came from a nearby town, said, “I bought the book out of curiosity, to delve deeper into the subject, because it is fascinating.” He added, “These are old, traditional things, but they interest me.”
Marshal of the Łódź Voivodeship Grants Honorary Patronage to Shen Yun
Łódź is Poland’s third-largest city and the capital of Łódź Voivodeship. To express appreciation for Shen Yun’s return to the city, the provincial governor and the mayor jointly awarded Shen Yun Performing Arts Honorary Patronage.The certificate clearly states: “Honorary Patronage — Shen Yun 2026: China Before Communism.” In Poland, honorary patronage is typically granted only to the most important cultural events that demonstrate outstanding artistic quality, meticulous organization, and wide public recognition.
Shen Yun’s Beauty and Depth Impress Audience
Mr. Czajkowski and Ms. Michalska traveled more than 150 kilometers from Warsaw to attend the performance and were deeply captivated.
Mr. Czajkowski said: “So far, our impressions have been very positive. We are surprised by how acrobatic these performances are. […] We especially enjoyed the different dances from various regions—that is, the different types of classical dances.”
Both praised the digital backdrop. Mr. Czajkowski said, “It was certainly very visually striking and colorful. The costumes were magnificent. We did not expect such scenography—this kind of electronic stage scenery.”
Ms. Michalska agreed, adding: “The visualizations are also very interesting—the way they work, how they change, and how the characters appear on stage. We were surprised by the moment when, suddenly, the immortal figure changed costumes out of nowhere.”
Regarding the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance conveyed by Shen Yun, both expressed strong admiration.
Ms. Michalska said: “It is certainly incredibly inspiring that goodness is such an essential element. This is something that is often lacking in our world. It’s really something worth reflecting on.”
Ms. Michalska said: “I think such things are always important—they involve memories and traditions. Preserving them is very important, although in today’s world it is probably extremely difficult.”
She noted that she had read about Shen Yun in advance and knew the performance could not be staged in China, but had not previously understood why.
Mr. Czajkowski added, “I hadn’t heard about this before, to be honest. So this is new to me.”
In closing, Ms. Michalska said: “[Shen Yun was] extremely inspiring.”
‘God is Good and Sets an Example of How to Behave’
Mr. Marcin Słomski attended the performance that evening.
“It was not just an ordinary dance performance—it also carried a message. The fundamental message was respect for tradition, being good, spreading goodness among people, and being kind to others. Artistically, it was very positive—colorful and full of energy. I believe the message conveyed by the performance is important for every person in the world,” said Marcin Słomski after watching the Shen Yun performance.
He noted that he clearly perceived references to the Creator: “I was amazed that, from the perspective of references to the Creator, to God, it is very closely connected to Christianity—the acceptance of the concept of one God who is goodness itself and who sets an example of how one should treat other people and the world as a whole.”
He continued: “The performance conveys a message of goodness, kindness, and love. Hopefully, when people watch it, they will reflect on their own behavior and stop chasing money and power just to achieve something. […] Instead, they may notice other people, help them, and talk to them.”
Mr. Słomski shared many details he particularly enjoyed, including the celestial atmosphere and the peacock dance: “The moment I really loved was when the mist appeared—it was about the peacock paradise. When the mist flowed down over the orchestra, it looked incredible, as if clouds were actually descending from the stage. It was beautiful.”
He also praised the vocal performances: “I was particularly struck by the soprano singer. [She had] a very beautiful, powerful voice—one must admit, [that was artistically on] a very high level. I really liked it.”
As Shen Yun celebrates its 20th anniversary, Mr. Słomski said he wished to convey this message to the artists: “I would like to thank you for this beautiful performance. I am honored to have been here and to watch it. I hope you continue to grow and convey your message—perhaps influencing people and their approach to life and the world. Showing that it is not only speed, media, and mobile phones that matter, but human relationships and kindness. I wish you all the very best.”
