Commentary by Lanjian Zhao
In 2025, the world remains loud and unsettled, with the battlefield of public discourse plagued by attacks on faith and culture. Over recent months, “The New York Times” (NYT) has run a persistent series of articles aimed at discrediting Shen Yun Performing Arts — attempting to diminish its impact through distorted language and slanted viewpoints.
But these efforts are bound to fail. The truth is undeniable: In 2025, Shen Yun continues its global tour across five continents, performing approximately 800 shows in over 200 cities — and nearly all of them are sold out. In many cities, extra performances have even been added to meet surging demand.
Founded in 2006 and based in New York, Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company. Featuring eight equally-sized troupes that tour and perform around the world simultaneously, Shen Yun aims to showcase 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture and heritage prior to the ravages of communism.
A baptism that pierces the soul
As I sat in the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C., during a packed matinee on Feb. 22, I was struck not just by the brilliance of the performance but by something deeper — a force that pierced the soul. It wasn’t merely a show. It was a spiritual awakening, a revival of ancient tradition, and one of the most precious cultural gifts of our era.
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Shen Yun is more than the pinnacle of Chinese classical dance — it is a vessel of faith and a mirror to the soul. Amid a crowded world of artistic offerings, no other performance so powerfully evokes the nobility, compassion, and courage of the human spirit.
Why is Shen Yun special?
This year’s show at the Kennedy Center left several unforgettable impressions.
One dance drama depicted a newlywed couple torn apart by persecution for their beliefs. The husband, blinded after having his corneas harvested in prison, ultimately reunites with his wife in a deeply emotional tale of resilience and love. This story reminded me of the many persecuted individuals in China — and stirred memories of my own hardships.
The character who stands firm amid oppression — his conviction and sacrifice — echoes through the centuries of Chinese history. Shen Yun’s dancers conveyed this unbreakable spirit with such precision that the entire audience could feel what true courage looks like: the choice to stand in light, even in the face of overwhelming darkness.
Another piece followed a general who, upon seeing the bones of the fallen on a battlefield, is struck by remorse and retreats to a monastic life. After enduring many trials, he reaches enlightenment. This narrative revealed that suffering is not random; every decision we make weaves into a grander purpose. It made me reflect: Why do some people stay kind despite life’s pain? Why do others choose to harm, while some risk everything to protect? The answer lies in our essence — we are not just material beings, but travelers on a spiritual path. Shen Yun brings this truth to life through movement.
The grand finale of this year’s performance portrayed an epic battle between good and evil, spanning heaven and earth. The audience sat in breathless silence, transfixed by the sheer intensity of the scene. In this tale, good ultimately triumphs, and light prevails over darkness. What played out wasn’t just an allegorical myth — it was a bold statement of faith: no matter how the world shifts, justice will endure, and history will cast its final judgment.
Shen Yun reminds us not to forget our roots
Even amid a months-long barrage of attacks from the NYT, Shen Yun continues to captivate audiences around the world. Every performance sells out. Why? Because Shen Yun is more than art — it is a spiritual call.
I saw firsthand how deeply the show moved Western audience members. Many were in tears — not just from the beauty of the dances, but from the universal values Shen Yun communicates: compassion, bravery, righteousness, and belief. These ideals transcend cultures, borders, and backgrounds. In today’s noisy and chaotic world, Shen Yun does more than entertain — it gently urges us to remember who we are, where we come from, and the principles that bind us together as human beings.
This, perhaps, is why the Chinese Communist Party fears Shen Yun, and why the NYT continues its campaign against it — because Shen Yun transmits ideas of freedom and rekindles the faith and goodness buried deep in people’s hearts.
Upholding kindness and tradition
Two months ago, I invited a friend — a film director who had previously scoffed at Shen Yun — to attend a show with me. He not only declined but went so far as to block me. In that moment, I realized how far apart our values had grown. He feared what Shen Yun might reveal — that it would challenge the foundation of his beliefs.
But that does not diminish Shen Yun’s brilliance.
True art is not built on propaganda. It earns its place through the hearts it touches and the clarity it brings to the soul. Shen Yun does this and more. It has sparked a cultural renaissance, introducing audiences worldwide to something deeply spiritual, deeply human — and deeply needed.
As I stepped out of the theater into the Washington night, I felt a sense of clarity I hadn’t had before. Shen Yun gave me more than just a glimpse of world-class performance — it reminded me that in this age of conflict, holding fast to kindness, tradition, and faith is not only powerful; it is essential.
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