SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun’s Use of 3D Backdrop Is ‘Blowing My Mind,’ Says Filmmaker

Apr 03, 2026

4/3/2026Updated: 4/7/2026

NEW YORK— Artie Brennan and Timothy Brennan, both actors and film producers, had a wonderful time at Shen Yun Performing Arts’ matinee at the David H. Koch Theater on April 2.

“They’re amazingly talented. The dancers were so in sync and just beautiful. Beautiful costumes, beautiful performers—they were very, very on point,” Mr. Timothy Brennan said.

“We’ve lived in New York our whole lives, and this is the first time we’ve come and seen it. It’s great that we’re doing it on the [company’s 20th] anniversary too,” he said.

Based in New York, Shen Yun artists are highly trained in classical Chinese dance—an art form with a history spanning thousands of years, celebrated for its athleticism and expressive power. What many may not realize is that numerous tumbling techniques often associated with gymnastics and acrobatics actually originate from classical Chinese dance.

The classical Chinese dance seen in China today is heavily influenced by both military and modern styles. Only at Shen Yun can the audience experience it in its purest form, preserved as it was passed down through generations.

The dancers are “beautiful and graceful and artistic and it’s amazing. The way that they move together—you can see the amount of work that’s been put into it. It really pays off,” Mr. Timothy Brennan said. “It’s so good.”

Mr. Artie Brennan especially enjoyed the piece where the dancers’ long sleeves billowed and flowed like the gentle movement of water on stage. According to the company’s website, these sleeves were a part of ancient Chinese feminine attire representing humility and grace.

“It’s amazing,” he said. “That was beautiful.”

For Mr. Timothy Brennan, the most memorable element was the 3D digital backdrop, which interacts seamlessly with the dancers to create a magical illusion and enhance storytelling.

“The background—with the live action that crosses over into the background—is amazing,” he said.

Since its establishment in 2006, Shen Yun has earned widespread acclaim. Each year, the artists present a brand-new set of choreography and musical compositions, ensuring that both new and returning audience members are always in for a surprise.

As a filmmaker, Mr. Artie Brennan was particularly impressed by Shen Yun’s ability to tell stories through dance and music.

“I love the story. They’re doing a great job of, through dance, showing the story without words. It’s amazing,” he said.

“Like Tim said, the background is the 4D element. It’s blowing my mind. I don’t know how they did that. That was crazy.”

Reflecting on the company’s mission to revive traditional Chinese culture and values, while also raising awareness of ongoing human rights issues in China, Timothy said Shen Yun utilizes “the best way to have it come across to other people.”

“We do not speak Chinese, but the way that they’re dancing it tells this whole story without us having to know the language. I think it’s amazing,” he said.

Finally, Mr. Artie Brennan shared a message for the artists: “You’re doing an amazing job.”

“I’m super, super proud. Just amazing, totally amazing,” he said. “I’m so glad that I was able to get here to see this happen. Everyone who’s on that stage is an amazing star.”

Reporting by Yeawen Hung 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.