FRANKFURT, Germany—Shen Yun Performing Arts presented its third performance of the season in Frankfurt on May 3 at the Jahrhunderthalle Frankfurt, drawing a sold-out audience months after tickets were first released.
Audience members from across German society said the performance’s traditional values, spiritual themes, and artistic presentation left a deep impression.
Thomas Kretschmer, an auditor, said Shen Yun’s message about reconnecting with tradition resonated strongly with him amid today’s fast-changing world.
“In my opinion, this is the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse, and the world is galloping forward,” Mr. Kretschmer said. “Events are constantly pouring in at an almost daily pace. And if people have no spirituality, no values, no traditions, no roots, I believe it can become overwhelming for them.”
“That’s why I think this message—returning to values and reflecting again on tradition—is extremely important, especially in times that move so fast,” he added. “That’s why it really resonated with me. I thought it was wonderful.”
Sabine Simon, a former elementary school principal, said attending Shen Yun introduced her to Chinese culture in a new way.
“This is my first time coming into contact with Chinese culture, and I learned a lot today,” Ms. Simon said. “There were also many surprises for me.”
Heinz-Wilfried Daniel, a business consultant, praised the performance’s artistic presentation and historical storytelling.
“I found the performance fascinating,” Mr. Daniel said. “Many things were new to me. For example, the historical dance depicting five thousand years of history and Chinese culture from all the different regions connected to it.”
He also praised Shen Yun’s animated digital backdrop.
“I thought the animation with the backdrop and imagery was absolutely fantastic,” he said. “I had never experienced anything quite like that before.”
Based in New York, Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture from before communism through classical Chinese dance and music.
Audience members said the performance’s spiritual themes and emphasis on traditional values carried a meaningful message for modern society.
“In the end, it essentially returned to the beginning,” Mr. Daniel said. “The beginning, the ending, and naturally, when I think about the story, the divine, from which we human beings all originate.”
“The message that I personally take away from this,” he continued, “is that we are brought back again to tradition—to reflect on and reconnect with what it truly means to be human.”
Klaus Heizmann, an economist, said modern society could benefit from returning to traditional values.
“We should return a little more to traditional values in our new, modern age,” Mr. Heizmann said.
Mr. Kretschmer said performances like Shen Yun offer audiences a sense of calm and harmony.
“People somehow need to rediscover themselves, return to their roots, and reconnect with the divine,” he said. “That’s why performances like this are so wonderful, because when you go home afterward, you feel harmony in your heart, and deep within yourself.”
“It doesn’t stir up anxiety or create stress,” he added. “Rather, it brings calm and harmony. That is something truly special.”
As Shen Yun celebrates its 20th anniversary, Mr. Daniel said he hopes the company will continue sharing its message around the world.
“What I wish for Shen Yun on its 20th anniversary is that it will continue performing around the world,” he said, “continuing to let people around the world share in good thoughts and a pure spirit, and perhaps, in doing so, help build a better society.”
Shen Yun’s 2026 world tour concluded in mid-May after nearly half a year of performances across multiple continents.
