A Visual and Musical Richness That Has Been Universally Praised
From the very first minutes, Florence and Gauthier Rubiconi were captivated by the quality of the show. “It was exceptional. Very colorful, the music—everything we were hoping for was there, so we’re happy,” Florence Rubiconi, chief medical officer at the Rhône medical department, said.Gauthier Rubiconi, a business owner, shared this enthusiasm. He applauded the music, “which was absolutely wonderful,” as well as “the entire artistic aspect … which was perfect.”
He also praised Shen Yun's powerful storytelling. “The symbolic elements and also … the introductory explanations are very helpful in better interpreting what we’ve seen.”
For his part, Richard Makowski, a former director of a gardening school, highlighted the pacing and structure of the show: “It’s very good ... very dynamic ... and the flow is excellent.”
He particularly appreciated “how well it blends with the projected image” and other special effects, which he said contribute to the originality of the staging.
Classical Chinese Dance, An Ancient Art Form
At the heart of Shen Yun lies classical Chinese dance, an ancient art form that evolved over the course of the imperial dynasties. It constitutes a comprehensive system, with its own techniques, movements, and unique expressiveness. Unlike other forms of dance, it places particular emphasis on the ability to convey emotions and narratives through movement.In particular, the performers employ highly complex techniques involving jumps, spins, and movements, all while maintaining remarkable fluidity and elegance. Added to this is the “yun,” or inner presence, which is emphasized in classical Chinese dance. It reflects the dancer’s state of mind and emotional depth.
Florence Rubiconi described one of the dance pieces that left a lasting impression on her: “I really liked the peacock dance—it’s magnificent.”
A Traditional Culture Brought Back to Life
Beyond its artistic offerings, Shen Yun is dedicated to reviving a traditional Chinese culture, which has largely disappeared in contemporary China due to historical revision under the Chinese Communist Party. This mission has particularly resonated with audiences.“It’s something that’s very useful for us. It allows us to get back to our roots a little bit,” Gauthier Rubiconi said.
He also emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and culture: “I imagine that for them, too, it’s important to preserve this tradition. It’s very important.”
Mr. Makowski, for his part, praised the courage of the mission: “I think it’s actually pretty brave, because when you follow the news, it’s not always very pleasant.”
Universal Values That Still Resonate Today
One of the most striking aspects for audiences remains the universal relevance of the values conveyed. Shen Yun highlights values such as kindness, compassion, courage, and faith.“Of course, it teaches us lessons—things we may no longer have here,” Florence Rubiconi said.
Mr. Makowski, for his part, speaks of “fundamental human principles” and emphasizes the importance of having a sense of direction: “It’s a good thing—whether you believe or not, it doesn’t matter—it’s a good thing to have ideological values to hold onto, because sometimes life isn’t […] ‘a long, quiet river.’”
An Experience to Enjoy and Share
All the audience members interviewed agree on one thing: Shen Yun is a must-see show. Gauthier Rubiconi said he “highly” recommends the performance, noting that “in this world that’s becoming a bit complicated, getting back to the essentials […] is a good thing.”Mr. Makowski said, “You really have to go see it because it’s unique.”
