‘All My Senses Were Awakened’: French Arts and Letters Award Recipient Moved by Shen Yun

NTD Newsroom
Shen Yun
Shen Yun Performing Arts began its new season in Amnéville, France, on Dec. 18, presenting classical Chinese dance and live orchestral music. Now in its 20th year, the New York-based company is touring worldwide with the goal of reviving China’s traditional culture.

One of the first attendees was Mr. Jean-Louis Janin Daviet. He founded the Musée de l’Hôtel Abbatial of Lunéville in northern France, where he currently serves as the curator. He is a recipient of France’s Order of Arts and Letters. The art expert reported having experienced a true sensory journey while watching Shen Yun.

Mr. Daviet said he was deeply moved by the show, sharing that it awakened all of his senses: “This performance is a complete immersion. It’s a journey we’ve always dreamed of, and it truly brings that dream to life—a journey brought to life through colors. You almost smell the fragrance of lotus flowers as the young women carry them. And when the kite soars, it feels as though it’s really taking flight.”

Mr. Daviet highlighted how the integration of digital elements contributed to his complete immersion in Shen Yun pieces: “It’s a synergy, a harmony, and choreography that are absolutely flawless. What’s truly striking is that, with the use of digital imagery—the character emerging from the screen and then disappearing—and the impeccable choreography, it becomes hard to tell whether it’s reality or just images. It’s truly extraordinary.”

Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture from before communism using dance, live music, and visual art. Mr. Daviet shared that the immersive experience deeply engaged all of his senses, including the music, the scents, the colors, and the fragrances.

"All my senses were awakened. First, sight, then hearing, captivated by the music," said Daviet. "What truly moved me was seeing a real—real group of musicians performing in a small ensemble with a conductor. And the harp, my absolute favorite instrument.”

He said that he felt “completely carried away, weightless, and you wonder why we can’t move with such ease, or suddenly pull off a triple somersault, like the dancers who flawlessly master every technique, whether it’s gymnastic, choreographic, or simply through their bodies.”

Shen Yun draws inspiration from traditional Chinese culture, which the ancients regarded as divine. The art expert reported feeling a spiritual essence in the performance.

“At the beginning, when all these divine beings from the heavens descended to Earth to reunite with humanity, I was amazed by the diversity of characters,” Mr. Daviet said.

“It highlights the vast possibilities—representing almost every nationality, ethnicity, and deity that could watch over us. For me, this truly reflects a divine presence. I believe that without the divine, our world wouldn’t exist. Across all nations, cultures, and societies, we must recognize this divine nature that guides, supports, protects, and inspires us.”

NTD News, Amneville, France

NTD is a media sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts, covering audience reactions since 2006.