Artistry of Shen Yun ‘Is Gorgeous,’ Says Honolulu Audience Member

NTD Newsroom
Shen Yun
Shen Yun Performing Arts, the world’s leading classical Chinese dance company, offered audiences in Honolulu, Hawaii, a glimpse into five millennia of Chinese civilization on May 10. The company aims to rekindle the spirit of rich, Chinese heritage from a time before communism.

“I am just wonderfully surprised. It is just so beautiful,” said Pualani Hao, a real estate developer. “It’s beautiful. I think that their dance is gorgeous. I love the women dancers, the colors, the fact that they do the animation with the dancing. Amazing.”

“They were tremendous. The discipline, the skills, and the effort to become so proficient, they were magnificent, flawless, everybody. I didn't see anything that wasn't flawless,” said Jon Pike, an accountant.

“Whatever technology you're using to make that magical Heaven screen that's in the back with all the images is just incredible. It looks like the artists were on stage and they were popping up into the sky and they would come back down,” said Katie Fisher, the owner of Quantum School of Massage. “They're at the top of their game, and the musicians, the orchestra, was incredible. Really such perfection. It's beautiful, like a little piece of Heaven.”

“I loved it. I was surprised there was a live orchestra, but I really liked it. Especially the traditional instruments were very good,” said Jonathan Heraux, a musician.

“It was magnificent, the mysticism, the performances, the animation, artwork, the music, just absolutely phenomenal, breathtaking,” said Mary Myers, a psychologist.

Dedicated to reviving a culture once nearly lost, Shen Yun uses classical Chinese dance and music to tell the stories of ancient China, once known as "The land of the Divine." Since the Communist Party took power in China in 1949, the regime has sought to break Chinese society’s belief in the divine.

“Very meaningful, high purpose, the traditional religion and the culture. The unity of all beings, joining with the Creator, transcending the limits and standing up for the traditional, for their religion, for what they believe in, against the oppressive repression that's going on in China,” said Alex Licton, a forensic psychologist.

“Having compassion, of having empathy for each other, and being aware of nature, and then just really trusting that when we're in precarious situations, that there is something guarding us,” said Fisher.

“I think it's about if you are a good person, and if you are kind, and if you believe in God, you're going to have a good fortune. And no matter what bad circumstances in your life, you're going to overcome them,” said Vera Heraux, a singer.

“It was just inspiring. It lifted your spirit to see it. It wasn't just being entertained. It was more than that,” said Pike.

On May 11, Shen Yun successfully concluded their 2025 world tour, with performances across major cities worldwide. Every season, its artists bring an all-new program for audiences to enjoy.
NTD News, Honolulu, Hawaii

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