Shen Yun Is ‘Showing People the Real China,’ Says Business Owner

NTD Newsroom
Shen Yun
Shen Yun Performing Arts arrived in Toulon on Jan. 4, a city in southern France known for its authentic charm, combining a rich naval heritage with a gentle Provençal lifestyle.

This city is the third stop in France for Shen Yun artists, whose mission is to revive China’s pre-communist culture through legends, vibrant costumes, striking backdrops, and original music.

The performance was held at the Zénith de Toulon, and audience members expressed their amazement after watching it.

“It’s absolutely magnificent. This is the second time we’ve seen it since last year. We saw a previous production, and it’s always beautiful, but the 3D special effects they’ve added this time are just superb. It’s truly extraordinary,” said Gine Bourgeois, a former local official.

Henri Thuillier, a business owner, said, “It truly is an extraordinary show, and I’m so happy to experience it again this year.”

“Oh, it was wonderful! Truly wonderful. I was genuinely thrilled,” said Gilbert Ithamar, a business owner.

Shen Yun is based in New York, and its dancers are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.

Audience members were impressed by the artistry and skills of the performers.

Ms. Bourgeois said, “The Chinese dance is magnificent. The costumes, they are truly beautiful costumes, and they’re constantly changing, by the way. Just beautiful costumes and such elegance.”

Mr. Thuillier said, “I also found the costumes extraordinary, but what impressed me even more was the dancers’ flexibility. It clearly reflects an incredible level of physical training, and I can only imagine the dedication required to maintain that throughout an entire season. “

Mr. Ithamar said, “They’re fantastic. You can really tell they are world-class performers. It’s just fantastic.”

Ms. Bourgeois said, “Artistically, it’s magnificent. Everything is perfectly coordinated, and it all flows together in such a seamless way.”

Mr. Thuillier said, “I really enjoyed the baritone’s performance. He has an extraordinary voice.”

China is among the world’s most ancient civilizations, with 5,000 years of legends and traditions. Yet in only a few decades after the Chinese Communist Party took power, much of this culture was nearly erased. Shen Yun’s mission to revive this heritage is the reason it cannot perform in China today.

Mr. Ithamar said, “I assumed this program had been seen in China too, but no, it hasn’t, as far as I know. It’s unbelievable. In a way, it really outrages me.”

“[Shen Yun] really highlights China’s ancient culture. It is unfortunately banned in its own country, but it’s wonderful to see it abroad, and it reminds us that China is a great nation that deserves a much better future,” said Mr. Thuillier.

Mr. Ithamar said, “It would be wonderful if [Shen Yun] kept going and traveled everywhere, showing people the real China.”

Ms. Bourgeois said, “It really makes you want to come again. And we’re definitely going to recommend it to our friends, for sure!”

NTD News, Toulon, France

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