On the evening of Jan. 23, the much-anticipated Shen Yun Performing Arts kicked off its Paris performances at the iconic Palais des Congrès, following a highly successful tour through several other French cities. The opening night was met with a full house, and the audience responded with resounding applause, captivated by the stunning artistry and inspiring messages the performance delivered.
Shen Yun, based in New York, is renowned for its mission to revive and showcase 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, particularly through classical Chinese dance, music, and storytelling. The production has been drawing attention worldwide for its exceptional execution and powerful themes of kindness, compassion, and harmony.
Audience Reactions: A Night of Artistic Brilliance
Shen Yun’s performances are not only celebrated for their visual beauty but also for the depth of emotion and meaning they convey. Many in the audience were deeply moved by Shen Yun's combination of breathtaking choreography, live orchestral music, and thought-provoking messages.Nicolas Fourdrinier, a legal notary, expressed his admiration for the performance, saying, “This performance is delightful, truly artistic, and the dancers are exceptional.”
Similarly, Pascal Le Huede, a training manager at Airbus, described the performance as “truly outstanding,” adding, “It’s on such an artistic level. These performers are not just artists, but athletes as well. It’s truly impressive.” He went on to emphasize how the performance is both “artistic, beautiful, impressive, and inspiring.”
For Joel Aguerre, a photography business owner, the performance was nothing short of awe-inspiring. He called it “grandiose, magnificent, and well-executed, with incredible precision,” noting particularly the live orchestra. “I also really appreciated the orchestra—having the entire ensemble perform live in the pit is truly spectacular.”
A Message of Compassion and Serenity
Beyond the stunning visuals and choreography, the core message of Shen Yun resonated deeply with the audience. The show’s themes of kindness, understanding, and compassion struck a chord with many who attended.Mr. Aguerre noted the “deep sense of kindness and warmth” that radiated from the performance, while Nicolas Fourdrinier remarked on the serenity and natural joy conveyed. “A message that brings serenity, a natural and truly delightful message,” he said.
Mr. Le Huede added, “Kindness, compassion, understanding—these are all things we should naturally carry within us.”
For many, Shen Yun was not just an artistic experience but a reminder of the traditional values that bind us as humans.
A Must-See Experience
The performers’ extraordinary preparation and skill were widely recognized, with several attendees recommending Shen Yun. Mr. Aguerre enthusiastically shared, “[Shen Yun] is a must-see experience—an awe-inspiring, magnificent performance that demands incredible preparation and skill. I wholeheartedly recommend it.”Mr. Fourdrinier echoed this sentiment, saying, “If people want to step away from the news and return to simple things, it’s a beautiful performance that everyone should come see.”
The performances in Paris will run until Jan. 27, before the company heads to several other cities across France. Shen Yun will return to Paris in May for another series of performances, offering audiences another chance to experience the wonder and beauty of this unique cultural presentation.
For those in Paris or nearby, Shen Yun is a truly unmissable event, offering not just a spectacular display of art but a heartfelt and inspiring experience that resonates long after the final curtain call.
NTD News, Paris, France
