Shen Yun Shows Beauty of Chinese Culture, Audience in San Jose Says
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Don Roberts (R), Wendy Roberts, and their son at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 24, 2025. Nan Su/The Epoch Times
SAN JOSE. Calif.—Don and Wendy Roberts and their son saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on Christmas Eve. They said the performance was beautiful.
“I love this program,” said Ms. Roberts, who works in learning and development. “It tells you about the history and about what you’re going to see and why we are [seeing] this. It’s a beautiful understanding of the culture.”
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.
Through classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun portrays the beauty of Chinese culture as well as the true nature of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Since the CCP rose to power, it has systematically distorted and destroyed Chinese culture with movements like the Cultural Revolution. Unable to accept any group having more influence than the CCP, in 1999, it began persecuting Falun Dafa practitioners who follow the principles of truth, compassion, and forbearance.
“I mean, it’s upsetting to know that’s happening. It’s very upsetting, and it’s amazing to know that [Shen Yun is] based in New York. They carry the beauty of the art, of the performance, and they bring the message, right?” Ms. Roberts said.
Shen Yun puts on an all-new production every year. Everything, including the music and costumes, is original each season. According to Shen Yun’s website, the costumes are inspired by China’s semi-divine culture. Each piece is handcrafted and tailored to each dancer.
“They’re yes, they’re so beautiful, they’re so well made, and it just all comes together with the …” said Mr. Roberts, who is the owner of a marketing company.
“With the big screen, right? How they interacted,” Ms. Roberts finished for him.
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.
“You see the Monkey King on the screen, and then here he is on the stage. It was unexpected. It’s amazing how they tied that together. It’s really great,” Ms. Roberts said.
