STAMFORD, Conn.—Shen Yun Performing Arts took the stage at the Palace Theatre in Stamford on May 9, bringing audiences a performance centered on 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture through classical Chinese dance, music, and storytelling.
Audience members praised the production’s visual presentation, choreography, and live orchestral performance.
“I was really taken aback with how beautiful the show is in terms of the digital presentation that ties into the music,” Alka Asthana, a business owner and photographer, told NTD from the theater. “It’s very eloquent. The costume design, very pastel. And the whole experience is very relaxing. It’s a beautiful show.”
“It’s been great,” Patrick Morales, a business owner, said. “It’s been everything I thought it would be and it has exceeded every single expectation I had.”
Robert Berwick, a certified public accountant, said he was impressed by the pacing and coordination of the performance.
“It was very impressive, very powerful,” Mr. Berwick said. “I’m amazed how quickly they transition from one dance to another. There’s almost no gap in between. They just go from one to another. It’s extremely powerful.”
A hallmark of Shen Yun is its live orchestra, which combines traditional Chinese instruments with Western symphonic arrangements.
Dennis Noguera, a violin maker, said the musical blend stood out to him.
“I think it was a pleasant blend,” Mr. Noguera said. “I was hearing a lot of the bass and the violins—I listened for them. But the Chinese instrument blend was wonderful.”
Founded in New York, Shen Yun presents performances inspired by traditional Chinese culture and spiritual themes.
Since taking power in 1949, the ruling communist regime has carried out campaigns that targeted China's traditional beliefs, cultural heritage, and religious practices. Shen Yun also highlights the suppression of religious faith and cultural traditions under the Chinese Communist Party, which is also one of the reasons the company is currently unable to perform in China.
“The messages are wonderful,” Greg Iorizzo, a business owner, said. “It’s heartbreaking to see the dance of the brutality of the Chinese Communist Party and how they’re treating your religion, your culture, or your beliefs. It’s just so unfortunate.”
Morales said he hopes Chinese audiences will eventually be able to experience Shen Yun for themselves.
“The Chinese people are missing out on great art, a great show,” he said. “Hopefully things will change. Change is the only constant, so sooner or later everything changes. We have hope and faith that the people of China will find freedom one day.”
“The cultural tradition, bringing it to light, and the artistic value, and the dancers and the performers were really fantastic,” Frank Fioretti, a physician, said. “I know that it takes a lot of work to do that. I was very impressed by that.”
Shen Yun concluded its 2026 world tour on May 13. The company presents a new production each season, featuring original dances, musical compositions, and stories.
