Swiss Politicians Impressed by Shen Yun’s Tribute to ‘China Before Communism’
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Charles Selleger, a former physician and member of the Grand Council of the Canton of Geneva, experiences Shen Yun Performing Arts in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Feb. 20, 2026. NTD
LAUSANNE, Switzerland—Nestled between majestic Lake Geneva and the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, Lausanne invites visitors to stroll and enjoy the good life. For one weekend, the capital of Olympism also enjoyed the natural vistas and energetic sounds of Shen Yun Performing Arts.
Charles Selleger was a member of the Grand Council of the Canton of Geneva. This former physician, who is also a member of the board of directors of Geneva University Hospitals, came to discover 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture presented by the Shen Yun.
Shen Yun says its mission is to remind the world of “China before communism.”
For the former congressman, everything in the performance was impressive: “The dancing itself, the pirouettes, the costumes, the music... it’s magnificent!”
Shen Yun “is the pleasure and knowledge of a new art form that I had no idea about,” the doctor said.
Mr. Selleger was also impressed by the stage effects created by Shen Yun’s patented use of an animated digital backdrop. “I really liked how what we see on the screen was integrated into the background, with the characters on stage seeming to move from one to the other, transforming in one direction or another. I found it really, really impressive!”
‘All the Gracefulness of Dancers’
Richard Gigon, member of the Grand Council of the Canton of Neuchâtel, at Shen Yun Performing Arts in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Feb. 20, 2026. NTD
Richard Gigon is also a member of the Grand Council of the Canton of Neuchâtel. The member of the Green Party, who is also a forester, was amazed to discover Shen Yun’s costumes “with their gold leaf and bright colors” and impressed by “the gracefulness of the dancers!”
“There’s a passage with the sleeves that’s absolutely phenomenal,” he enthused, referring to the dance sequence in a piece called “Water Sleeves.” “There are moments when they cross each other that almost create optical illusions. It was truly wonderful!”
“Legends say that China’s traditional culture is a gift from the divine,” explains the Shen Yun website. “Accordingly, many symbols and motifs found on early Chinese artifacts depict heavenly themes such as gods, fairies, and celestial creatures. And permeating these age-old designs is the traditional principle of harmony between heaven and man.
“Today, these very motifs have inspired elements of Shen Yun costumes, architectural designs in the backdrops, and more. In their own intricate way, they too are a medium for telling the story of China’s 5,000 years of civilization,” it continues.
Mr. Gigon also appreciated Shen Yun’s orchestra, which he considered to be “quite similar to our [Western] classical music, with a few more exotic details.” Indeed, Shen Yun’s orchestra is unique in that it combines a Western classical symphony orchestra with Eastern instruments such as the erhu, pipa, and gong.
A China Searching for Its Roots
Janine Berberat, former member of the Geneva Cantonal Parliament, discovered traditional Chinese culture with Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Théâtre de Beaulieu in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Feb. 20, 2026. NTD
Shen Yun was a “surprise” for Janine Berberat, who “did not expect this form of presentation at all.”
“All I know about China is what I see on television, and right now, that’s not necessarily the best,” said the former member of parliament and vice president of the Grand Council of the Canton of Geneva. “But I really like the message of ancient China, which apparently holds great values.
“There is ancient China, which is a great civilization, but we don’t know much about it,” Ms. Berberat said. “And today, there is communist China, with a leader whom we, as residents of Switzerland, find somewhat difficult to appreciate. And tonight, Shen Yun reveals a China that is searching for its origins.”
“You want to rediscover your roots and be able to express them,” she said. “You don’t expect all your young people to be like that, but you want them to be able to express their roots and use them as a reference point. I think that’s wonderful because we’re all looking for reference points today because we’re losing them, so well done!
“I really admire the courage of the Shen Yun artists, who came to show that there is another China. Tonight, I saw China in a different light; I discovered it. I am a little surprised, but pleasantly surprised. In any case, bravo!”
Reporting by Sarita Modmesaïb and translated from the French language Epoch Times by Sonia Rouleau.
