PRAGUE, Czech Republic—On the evening of April 17, Shen Yun Performing Arts took stage at the Prague Congress Center, as part of its global tour showcasing “China Before Communism.” Among those in the audience were fellow dancers who came to admire the company’s unique artistry. Through classical Chinese dance and music, Shen Yun seeks to revive the traditional Chinese culture that was damaged under communist rule.
One of them was dancer and teacher Hana Kochová Breburdová, who had attended the performance several times. “I go every year, and I’m always thrilled,” she said after watching this year’s program, noting that she especially enjoyed “the costumes and the dancers’ various chassés, turns, and arabesques.”
According to the company’s website, Shen Yun artists specialize in classical Chinese dance, an art form “built on traditional aesthetics” that has been “passed down among the people, in imperial courts, and through ancient theatrical traditions,” playing a vital role in “preserving 5,000 years of Chinese culture.”
Praising both Shen Yun’s artistry and mission, Ms. Breburdová said the technical level of its dancers is “the highest I’ve ever seen.”
Shen Yun was founded in 2006 in New York by a group of leading classical Chinese artists where it enjoys artistic freedom, with the goal of “bringing to life a lost culture through beautiful art.”
Ms. Breburdová lamented that the company is not allowed to perform in China today, despite being founded by Chinese artists.
“I’m very sorry it cannot reach China, but it’s important to persevere. It’s a great shame that the regime does not allow them in, but the performance is so powerful that I understand why the regime is afraid,” she said.
Reflecting on the evening, she said she took away a sense of “connection with nature and a return to the roots,” as well as a message about the importance of “returning to history and valuing traditions.”
She also highlighted the final piece, “Redemption,” which depicts the coming of the Creator.
“It’s a beautiful vision, and it would be great if more people could embrace it, but everyone has their own perspective, and that makes it challenging,” she said.
Her message to the performers was simple: “Persevere—we’re rooting for you. You are amazing.”
Shen Yun Is ‘Ten Out of Ten’
Isabella Chaloupková, a competitive Latin American dancer, and her mother, Simona Chaloupková, attend Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Prague Congress Center in Czechia on April 17, 2026. NTD
Another dancer in the audience was Isabella Chaloupková, who attended the evening performance with her mother, Simona Chaloupková, a manager at a law firm.
“I’m thrilled—it was truly beautiful,” Simona said after the performance. “You can see there’s a tremendous amount of work behind it, yet it feels completely light and elegant. I’m so glad we were here.”
Daughter Isabella, as a competitive Latin American dancer, gave the performance a “ten out of ten.”
“The formations, the lines and the diagonals, everything was so beautiful, it was so straight … really perfect,” the young dancer said. “They jumped incredibly high, and when they landed, they looked so light … really beautiful.”
Simona also praised the depth of traditional Chinese culture, saying that it “goes back centuries and centuries.” She noted that Shen Yun brings dance, music, and legends from this rich heritage to the stage. “I liked that I learned something new. It was wonderful,” she said.
She remarked that the dancers’ demanding techniques—turns, jumps, and acrobatics—“looked as if they weren’t difficult at all … But of course, I understand there are hours and hours of work behind it. You could also see that they truly enjoy what they do. I was genuinely delighted,” she said.
According to Simona, both the dancers’ movements and Shen Yun’s live orchestra conveyed “confidence but also peace—a sense of inner calm and balance.”
She said she was leaving the performance with a “wonderful” feeling and would gladly return next year. “I feel so light, as if I could start dancing,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation for the company’s mission and regret that people in China cannot see the performance. “It’s a shame these traditions are not supported in China. But it’s wonderful that they continue to share them around the world and bring this beauty to us.”
In closing, she sent the artists a heartwarming message: “You are amazing! It’s wonderful to see how much you enjoy your work. It’s truly a joy to watch. You have our great support and admiration.”
