When Archbishop Laurent Ulrich ceremoniously knocked on the doors of Notre Dame Cathedral, it symbolized the reopening of the 12th-century landmark, tragically ravaged by fire in 2019. It was such a significant moment in history that the leaders, dignitaries and worshipers from around the globe gathered in Paris to celebrate this cultural spectacle and glorify God together, a moment of unity amidst global division and conflicts. This event represents a rebirth of faith. Notre Dame triumphant return stands as a powerful testament to perseverance and renewal-a true revival of faith in the face of adversity.
Upon watching the ceremony, I was moved to tears. It reminded me of Shen Yun and the challenges it has faced over the years. Shen Yun is a New York-based performing arts company that dedicated to reviving divinely inspired Chinese culture that has been largely lost under communist rule in China. It was founded by Falun Gong practitioners, a spiritual discipline that has been brutally persecuted by the Chinese Communist Regime.
To me, Shen Yun’s story resonant deeply with that of Notre Dame. Both are dedicated to honoring the Creator through the beauty of fine arts and both have endured tremendous adversity along their journeys.
I first came across Shen Yun in Toronto in 2006 during its first global tour. For me, It was fascinating to witness an oversea Chinese dance company grow from just a handful of performers into a globally acclaimed brand with over 1000 performers and eight tour troupes in just 19 years. Despite classical theatre is often in decline, Shen Yun has defied the odds to become a global phenomenon. As a member of the Chinese diaspora, I feel an immense sense of pride.
I have been inviting friends to experience the show since 2006. Shen Yun season in Toronto coincides with Easter each year creating a perfect opportunity to celebrate this special occasion at the Jackman Lounge in the Four Seasons Centre. What strikes me as a truly remarkable is how seamlessly Western and Eastern cultures come together in their shared belief in the Creator. The blending of different faiths feels so harmonious, especially during those moments when we celebrate Easter while immersed in the beautify of Shen Yun.
What truly captivates me about Shen Yun is its unparalleled artistic excellence. Through the medium of classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun tells stories with profound meaning, drawing inspirations from different dynasties. The opening dance piece depicts the Creator descending to establish the magnificent 5000-years-old Chinese culture.
One dance piece that has left an indelible impression on me over the years is the Fairy Phoenix. The costumes are nothing short of masterpieces. Their design and craftsmanship are stunning. I was especially mesmerized by the breathtaking shade of blue on the dancers’ dresses, reminiscent of a radiant blue diamond. The flowing skirts, symbolizing the feathers of a phoenix from paradise, add grace to the performance.
In oriental culture, the phoenix represents blessings and integrity. When the beautiful dancers emerged gracefully from a misty cloud of dry ice on stage, set against the vivid 3D backdrop of paradise, I felt like as though I had been transported to another realm. The dance achieved a level of artistic perfection that was simply unparalleled.
Alexander Neef, the former General Director of Canadian Opera Company who oversaw the building of The Four Seasons Centre, the foremost performing arts venue in Canada, once remarked on how wonderful it is to have Shen Yun perform there , elevating the level of artistry in the building. That is a powerful endorsement of Shen Yun’s artistic excellence and its contribution to the cultural landscape.
Notre Dame’s art reflects profound religious imagery, while Shen Yun’s dance pieces portray visions of divine and paradise. Just as Notre Dame translates to “Our Lady”, Shen Yun means “divine beings dancing”. Both carry deep spiritual significance, rooted in faith and transcendent beauty.
In the West, people are more familiar with the architecture and craftsmanship of Notre Dame, as well as the values it represents. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture in France. Its stunning interior and exterior reflect the soul of those who embrace its ideals. Beyond its aesthetic grandeur, Notre Dames remains a sanctuary- a sacred home for those seeking the path to heaven and a journey toward salvation.
Notre Dames stands as France’s most powerful religious, architectural and cultural symbol. During the French Revolution, anti-Christian forces targeted this medieval Gothic masterpiece. Angry mobs and revolutionaries looted the church tearing down the biblical statues and damaging much of its religious imagery. What these rioters sought to destroy went beyond the physical structure-they aim to extinguish the faith that lived in the hearts of the people. Yet, despite the devastation, Notre Dame’s enduring presence remains a testament to the resilience of belief and the spirit of those who cherish it.
The French author Victor-Marie Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is a masterpiece which brought globe acclaim to Notre Dame. This novel awakened and uplifted people’s soul, emphasizing the need to protect this treasure of human heritage and allowing Paris to restore its beauty and prevent destruction. I have never encountered a European novel that so deeply explores the artistry and significance of a place where the story unfolds. Without a holy mission, Hugo likely wouldn’t have chosen this unprecedented genre to craft a romantic story. His artistic excellence reflects a deep faith in his heart, and he used it to glorify God. Parisians will forever appreciate his efforts in safeguarding Notre Dame’s legacy.
Over the past 6 months, Shen Yun has faced severe attack and defamation. The New York Times published ten articles targeting Shen Yun, covering allegations ranging from child labor to legal disputes, as well as its media coverage and commercial success.
When I reflect on what is happening with Shen Yun today, I can’t help but draw a parallel to the attacks that Notre Dame faced- an echo of the mobs and revolutionaries. Over 19 years, Shen Yun’s performance have inspired millions and garnered a global reputation, yet it faces criticism and misunderstanding.
I was particularly shocked when The New York Times, a major Western newspaper, published ten articles in six months attacking Shen Yun while seemingly ignoring the powerful message it brings to the world. I have never seen such intense interest from a major newspaper in the West, let alone one directed towards a Chinese dance group.
It would be naive to believe these are investigative reports. The timing of the most recent article- published just three hours after the filing of a 68-pages court case-raises questions that go beyond journalist. It would also be naive to believe that a former dancer, especially one without obvious wealth, who does not reside in United States, speak fluent English or possess knowledge of the American legal system, is acting alone. Equally naive would be the belief that an audience of over one million people worldwide each year cannot discern what is good and what is bad. This situation extends beyond a mere conflict between individuals. it’s a battle between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and a group of artists with faith- those who vowed to revive a lost culture and are fighting for their beliefs. This is not just an attack on individuals; it is an attack on faith and an attempt to extinguish hope.
History seems to repeat itself in various forms. When negative narratives overwhelming target Shen Yun, I realize they are not aiming to win the case or reveal the truth. Their sole purpose is to make Shen Yun controversial, which can damage its long-established brand and deter audience from attending the performance The goal is to undermine Shen Yun’s efforts to revive a divinely inspired culture and leave people feeling hopeless.
The path to rekindling people’s faith in God is fraught challenging. Whether Western or oriental, both cultures have faced tremendous adversity. Those who seek to undermine faith in people’s hearts never cease their efforts. When the mobs attacked Notre Dame 200 years ago, they believed they succeed. However. Two centuries later, world leaders stood in the cathedral’s beautiful hall, solemnly glorifying God. That is the power of faith-once lost but never destroyed. It is the soul of the cathedral, let us never forget that.
Today, Shen Yun faces the same tremendous defamation and attacks it has endured. Looking back, I ask myself: is this the darkest moment of Shen Yun? Will this battle take decades, just as it did for Notre Dame after the France Revolution? Seeing the re-opening of Notre Dame fills me with tremendous confidence ., because It showed that people are returning to the Creator. It is time for us , Shen Yun’s admirers who understand its mission, to stand up and let more people know what Shen Yun is about. We are, awaken and inspired by Shen Yun’s message- passengers who share the story with the world.
I want to be a Victor-Marie Hugo, and I believe many will be, too. Shen Yun is set to tour in Paris today, where all the tickets are sold out. It will shine in the city of Notre Dame. One day, world leaders, dignitaries and worshippers will all have the chance to watch Shen Yun in their own countries, just as they attended the re-opening of Notre Dame. That will be a moment when people around the world honor and glorify the Creator.
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