NEW YORK—Not many Chinese dance companies currently have the freedom to express a spiritual message openly onstage. But for the past two decades, the New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has been highlighting China’s divine history in theaters globally.
Watching Shen Yun at Lincoln Center on April 3, Aidan Carragher, a NYFD firefighter lieutenant, said the artistry was “unbelievable.”
He also supported the dancers’ freedom of expression.
“You can’t keep people down with communism,” Mr. Carragher said.
With Mr. Carragher was Roe Iorio, a director at a laboratory company, who added that Shen Yun’s spiritual messages resonated with her: “Be good while you’re here because you’re going to eventually return somewhere else,” Ms. Iorio said, summing up words that she heard sung by a soprano in between dance segments.
In 2006, Shen Yun launched on a global artistic mission to reinvigorate a culture that was almost lost during China’s decade-long Cultural Revolution, which began in 1966, during which religions such as Buddhism and Daoism, along with traditional values, were denounced by the ruling Chinese communist regime.
Shen Yun showcases “China before communism,” including the myth of creation, magical heroes like the Monkey King, and various ethnic dances. There are several segments that feature today’s China.
Patented Digital Backdrop
“I love the [digital] backgrounds. I think they’re absolutely stunning and enticing and add to the movement,” said Chris Delany, a former Hollywood costume designer who also watched Shen Yun on April 3.
Modern technology helps Shen Yun represent the past; the company’s patented 3D-animated digital backdrop transports the dancers to mist-shrouded mountains and ancient palaces. Dancers seem to spring off the stage only to appear soaring through the heavens.
Gregg Delany and Chris Delany attend Shen Yun at Lincoln Center on April 3, 2026. Weiyong Zhu/The Epoch Times
“All the details were thought out, and they’re all connected, including the backgrounds,” said Ms. Delany, who was a dancer herself for many years.
She added that Shen Yun’s performers had “perfect” technique.
Classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun’s specialty, stems from ancient Chinese martial artists who once performed in palaces, leaping and twirling with martial-arts movements. Those moves evolved into a systemized form today—one that’s been copied by other cultures, including Western gymnastics.
“I was a dancer for many years, ballet and modern, and I also went to art school,“ Ms. Delany said. She added that Shen Yun’s level of artistic production was ”top-notch, absolutely.”
Reporting by Frank Liang, Weiyong Zhu, and Michael Wing.
