'Powerful and Moving': Shen Yun Motivates Champion Baton Twirler and Phoenix Theatergoers

Mar 21, 2026Shen Yun Audience

PHOENIX, Ariz.—Cody the twirler, a 4-time world champion baton twirler, was one of many theatergoers who marveled at Shen Yun Performing Arts in downtown Phoenix when they experienced it on March 8 at Symphony Hall.

“As me being a performer, getting to watch them, and seeing their artistry and just the perfection of how every move was executed. I really enjoyed the storytelling of the whole performance,” said Cody Carter, a world-class baton twirler.

“I really enjoyed the music as well. The music was incredible. And I definitely saw some moves that the dancers did that I want to try with the baton. I want to throw the baton up, and do some of the moves,” Mr. Carter said.

Heath Macie, a company vice president, described the experience as “Unbelievable, phenomenal.”

“I think the precision kind of pops off the stage I was mentioning earlier. It feels like the performance drags you into the adventure yourself. So it's like you're part of the whole show. So it's fantastic. We love it,” Mr. Macie said.

Jeannie Barry, a cybersecurity professional and company vice president in IT, said, “It was incredible.”

“The colors, the dancing, the emotion that it brings out in people,” Ms. Barry said. “And I like that they brought in the background of what this is all about.”

Since 2006, the New York-based Shen Yun has been reviving authentic traditional Chinese culture through dance and music.

Ms. Barry saw the performance with Marcus Weaver, a financial advisor and owner of Lighthouse Financial Planning.

“I love that they're bringing a mission and a vision across their performances,” Mr. Weaver said.

Ms. Barry said, “I really felt the spiritual aspects of what they were trying to emote and say.”

“The dancing and the singing. I loved it. It was beautiful. And the orchestra too. You can't forget that,” she said.

Along with legends, myths, and ethnic dances, Shen Yun’s vignettes convey virtues and morals from the 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.

“They portrayed them in such a great light,” Mr. Carter said.

“I think that it was a great message, just to never give up, to stay hopeful, to stay faithful. That was very powerful and moving. And just to see how they use their dance to pass those messages along through grace, but then power. It was a great balance. And it was just very motivating to watch,” he added.

Mr. Macie said: “Every time we come back, there's new surprises, new routines. They keep us guessing. Doesn't make it boring, and we love it. We're rapidly becoming regular. So we'll be back next year too.”

“I think that we need to get this more out into the public,” Ms. Barry said.

“I'm thinking about all the people who should be seeing this in my life. My parents—they live back in Ohio. Friends, family, definitely,” she said.

“I think this is the last day that it's here in Phoenix. But definitely next year, I'll be back,” Ms. Barry said.

NTD News, Phoenix, Arizona

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