NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.—Spirituality is a full-time occupation for Patrice D'Angelo, who works as an administrator in a cathedral by day. So she was pleased to hear a message of divinity on a public stage, at the State Theatre New Jersey, during a very unique performance on Friday.
Watching the acrobatic men in the classical Chinese dance company Shen Yun Performing Arts was a major highlight of the evening, Mrs. D'Angelo said after watching the performance. However, until seeing Shen Yun’s ancient tales told through dance, she “didn’t realize it was so spiritual,“ she said. ”It’s fabulous.”
The opening scene shows the Creator in heaven, who convenes with an entourage of deities, played by dancers in a vibrant assortment of costumes. And then, in a kaleidoscope of visual effects, they all descend to Earth to kick off the beginning of Chinese history in a grand procession.
“It’s fabulous to hear people speaking of a higher power. Because there’s so many times in life where nobody will even say it,” Mrs. D'Angelo said.
Shen Yun’s dance segments then carry the audience along a parade through Chinese history, spinning tales from literature and mythology while showcasing ethnic dances. The magical Monkey King makes an appearance, sprinkling humor, transforming into other animals, and seemingly flying into Shen Yun’s 3D-animated digital backdrop. All with the accompaniment of a live orchestra that blends both Western and Chinese instruments.
“The costumes are great, but I love the way they tie in the history of everything,” said Mrs. D'Angelo’s husband, Joe, a construction supervisor who saw Shen Yun by her side. “I didn’t know any of this, and I’m learning so much, and that’s the best part. Just learning all the history and the background of it. The Monkey King was great too.”
Based in upstate New York, Shen Yun has been weaving together spirituality, history, and the arts for 20 years. It was first established by Chinese who fled mainland China to escape religious persecution under the officially atheist Chinese Communist Party (CCP). They now aim to revive a culture that was “almost lost” in China’s devastating Cultural Revolution.
The company brands itself as “China before communism.”
Christine Laverde attends Shen Yun Performing Arts with her husband, Dennis Laverde, at the State Theatre in New Jersey on April 24, 2026. Frank Liang/The Epoch Times
“I love the music,” said Christine Laverde, a housewife who also watched Shen Yun with her husband Dennis on Friday, “but also the incorporation of the screens. I think that’s amazing how they can make the monkey disappear into the screen and then, boom, he’s back.”
“It’s exhilarating,” said Mrs. Laverde, adding that Shen Yun’s spiritual message also resonated with her. “The biggest takeaway is that you should be appreciative of everything around you and be one with God.”
Jean DiGrande, an insurance agent, watched the same performance and was impressed by the dancers’ abilities.
“The dancers were so graceful and strong, and just impressive. It makes you feel good,” she said. “We all work hard every day, we get lost in our lives, and it’s nice to take some time out and be part of the arts.”
Ms. DiGrande was also amazed by Shen Yun’s soprano, who sang between dance segments and shared a message of spirituality, calling for people to return to morality in a world beset by atheism and modernity.
“Her voice and her emotion were beautiful,” Ms. DiGrande said. “And she had a very strong message that I think is good for everybody today.” Then she added, “It’s important to think about tradition and think about priorities.”
Reporting by Frank Liang, Sally Sun, and Michael Wing.
