SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun’s ‘Choreography Is Just Spectacular,’ Says Oregon Theatergoer

Apr 19, 2026

4/19/2026Updated: 4/19/2026

PORTLAND, Ore.—On April 18, company manager Harold Cook and his wife, Kathy, a homemaker, enjoyed a memorable evening at Shen Yun Performing Arts’ performance at the Keller Auditorium.

Mrs. Cook’s niece first introduced her to Shen Yun, and after seeing the company’s advertisement, she knew it was a show she wanted to attend. The performance proved to be everything the couple had hoped for.

“It’s very, very nice. The dances, the costumes are beautiful,” Mrs. Cook said. “Their dedication to the hard work; it’s very inspiring to see such young people that have such a hard work ethic.”

“It’s fabulous,” Mr. Cook added. “It’s interesting to see the ancient culture from before communism.”

Shen Yun is the world’s top classical Chinese dance and music company. Presenting a brand-new set of programs each year, the company has been delighting audiences around the world since 2006.

Before the Communist Party ruled, the Chinese people were deeply spiritual and believed in the divine. For thousands of years, their values and day-to-day actions were strictly governed by the teachings of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.

In the decades since the communist regime seized power, Chinese culture was forced to the brink of extinction. The New York-based artists are now seeking to revive China’s 5,000-year-old divinely inspired culture and showcase to the world the beauty of China before communism.

Mrs. Cook was especially moved by the story-based dance raising awareness about the Chinese Communist Party’s ongoing persecution of Falun Dafa, a peaceful meditation whose followers adhere to the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.

“The [pieces] are all so good. The one with the mother and son was just heart-wrenching,” she shared. “It was very touching and very emotional.”

For Mr. Cook, the dance “Water Sleeves” was particularly memorable.

“That was beautiful,” he said. “I found it quite fascinating that all of them had learned to throw their sleeves out and then be able to pull them back and all catch them the same way. Very spectacular.”

According to Shen Yun’s website, the ‘water sleeves’ were a feature of ancient Chinese feminine attire, symbolizing humility and grace. Light and airy, they billow and flow on stage, evoking the gentle movement of water.

Reflecting on the artists’ mission to bring back traditional culture and moral values, Mrs. Cook said the “tradition of every society is important” because that’s what defines each country and makes each culture unique.

She also praised the cast and crew for their dedication and artistry.

“The dancers, the performers—they’re just very, very talented, wonderful young people,” Mrs. Cook shared. “Their facial expressions—I’ve been noticing that. [They convey] such emotion when they’re performing. Amazing.”

To describe Shen Yun in three words, Mr. Cook chose: “Beautiful, amazing, talented.”

“The choreography and the synchronization of all the performers to that choreography is just spectacular.”

Reporting by Frank Zhang 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.