Union Official Says Shen Yun a ‘Wonderful Expression of Traditional Chinese Culture’
SHARE
Samantha Giovagnoli (R) and company attend Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Palace Theatre in Stamford, Conn., on May 9, 2026. Frank Liang/The Epoch Times
STAMFORD, Conn.—Samantha Giovagnoli thoroughly enjoyed Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Palace Theatre on May 9.
“It was beautiful,” the criminologist for the NYC Medical Examiner’s office and union vice president said. “It was an amazing expression of art, and it was a wonderful expression of traditional Chinese culture.”
Shen Yun presents stories from 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture from “China before communism,” which Ms. Giovagnoli appreciated.
“I think the story was very impressive. Hearing the story, the art form, the color, and the expression of the dancers, it was absolutely stunning,” she said.
She was especially impressed by the dance drama “How the Monkey King Came to Be.” She said, “I did like the cultural Chinese dance. It was very traditional and beautiful. I just thought it was fun.”
Ms. Giovagnoli said Shen Yun educates audiences about Chinese culture in many ways. “It’s to educate a lot of people who aren’t familiar with the story. I think it’s important, and I think it’s great what you guys are doing, and you should continue.”
‘Absolutely Gorgeous’
Chris and Rochelle Grunston loved their first time watching Shen Yun.
Mr. Grunston, a banker who manages retirement accounts, said, “I’ve learned a lot, stuff I’ve never known.”
Mrs. Grunston, who does human resource adjudication, said, “I love it. It’s beautiful. It’s absolutely gorgeous. This is my first time coming; I’ve wanted to see it for a year.
“I love all of the dance and the movements and just the way that they really come across the screen—it’s gorgeous.”
Chris and Rochelle Grunston attend Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Palace Theatre in Stamford, Conn., on May 9, 2026. Frank Liang/The Epoch Times
Mr. Grunston said the piece “The Steadfast Heart,” set in modern times, telling of the persecution of believers of the self-cultivation practice Falun Gong, or Falun Dafa, was “very moving.” The practice teaches living by the values of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.
He was not aware that this was happening in China today. According to the program, “Falun Dafa practitioners could once be found in parks across China. But in 1999, the communist regime, fearing the practice’s popularity, launched a brutal campaign to wipe it out.”
Mr. Grunston said, “I think more people should know about it.”
Mrs. Grunston said, “Definitely. I think the more people that they tell about it, the better. For them to get it out there, it’s wonderful. I did know that they’ve had some persecution over the years, but I’ve learned a lot more about it.”
