Shen Yun Captivates Rouen Audience With ‘Virtuosity’ and ‘Innovation’

Jan 16, 2026Shen Yun

ROUEN, France—For its final performance of the year in Rouen, Shen Yun played to a sold-out crowd at the Zenith.

On Wednesday, January 14, Lionel Bourbier attended a show that he found “very interesting,” marked by both ‘artistry’ and “flexibility.”

“The movements are technically very impressive,” said the former telecommunications executive. “It's really beautiful!”

Shen Yun brings 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture to life through classical Chinese dance and music. Mr. Bourbier said he was “happy to learn more about China's history through the millennia,” while feeling “a rush of emotions and awe” before all this beauty.

Lionel Bourbier said he felt a particularly strong energy in Shen Yun's dance and song performances, thanks in part to the special effects connecting the dancers to the animated digital backdrop: "Seeing the artists emerge from the screen and arrive on stage is truly unique. I've never seen anything like it. It's very interesting, truly innovative!" enthusiastically said the former senior executive.

Mr. Bourbier also expressed surprise at the history of Shen Yun itself: “The show ultimately depicts a non-communist China. I thought it came from China, and I discovered that the artists are based in New York.”

Shen Yun artists are based in New York and tour worldwide. They bring to life the rich traditional Chinese culture that existed before the Communist Party came to power in 1949. In just a few decades, the Communist regime attempted to destroy this ancient culture, deeply rooted in spirituality. Shen Yun is reviving this lost heritage, which is why the show is still unable to perform in communist China today.

William Dugast, “impressed by the virtuosity of the artists” of Shen Yun. (NTD) — William Dugast, “impressed by the virtuosity of the artists” of Shen Yun. NTD

'It Blows Your Mind and Dazzles Your Eyes!'

William Dugast and his wife had been eagerly awaiting Shen Yun's arrival in Rouen. The former deputy chief of staff of the Air Force quickly reserved his tickets so he could finally experience Shen Yun for himself.

“I was impressed by the artists' virtuosity!” marvelled the former soldier, who described Shen Yun as “a historical fresco of China.”

“I really enjoyed the special effects and sets, which were truly magnificent!” said Mr. Dugast, referring to the sumptuous landscapes of the animated digital backdrop, which allowed the dancers to move back and forth between the screen and the stage. It is spectacular.

“With these montages, it really felt like the characters were flying!” “The costumes are superb: the colors, the diversity ... it dazzles your eyes!”

“This is the first time we've seen such a lively and colorful show. It was truly magnificent!” concluded William Dugast.

Reporting by Sarita Modmesaïb and translated by Sonia Rouleau.

From The Epoch Times

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