Interviews by Ryan Wu and Julie Wang
STAMFORD, Connecticut — On May 10, Shen Yun Performing Arts wrapped up a five show run at the prestigious Palace Theater in Stamford. Audiences gave enthusiastic reviews after watching the performances over Mother’s Day weekend, praising the production’s immersive artistry, gravity-defying acrobatics, music, and choreography.
Founded in 2006, Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, showcasing the beauty and splendor of traditional Chinese culture and art prior to the ravages of communism. The New York-based company currently boasts eight equally sized troupes that tour and perform across the world simultaneously, putting on a brand new production each year.
‘Just beautiful’
Many attendees said the performance exceeded their expectations, while others described finally attending the show after years of seeing advertisements and wanting to experience it for themselves. “It was amazing. It was just beautiful,” said Danaly Morehouse, an executive assistant, who attended the performance with her husband on May 8.
She praised the music, choreography, and synchronized dancing, calling the production “beautiful” with “gorgeous” storytelling. “I love the music, the dancing, the acrobatics, the synchronous [movements],” she said.
Danaly Morehouse, an executive assistant, attended Shen Yun’s performance in Stamford, CT, on May 8, 2026. (Image: Ryan Wu/Vision Times)
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Morehouse also praised Shen Yun’s use of animated digital backdrops, which blend seamlessly with the live performers. “Oh, I loved it. I live for it. Totally. One hundred percent,” she said. “It made me laugh. It added some kind of wit to it.”
Shen Yun’s signature use of a high-tech integrative, digital backdrop brings scenes from different dynasties, celestial realms, and ethnic regions to life. The show is also guided by two emcees who explain each segment in both English and Chinese, making each storyline more accessible to a wider audience.
‘Never seen anything like it’
Others described being deeply impressed by the beauty of traditional Chinese culture presented on stage. Johnny and Karina Moran, who both work as machinists, said the performance surpassed what they had anticipated. “We enjoyed it. It’s amazing. We’ve never seen anything like it,” they said.
Karina and Johnny Moran attended Shen Yun’s performance in Stamford, CT, on May 8, 2026. (Image: Ryan Wu/Vision Times)
Karina admitted she initially expected “something basic,” but said the production surpassed all her expectations.
“The Chinese culture in general is beautiful, but to see it in person, it was amazing,” she said. When asked if they had any favorite segments, the couple said they especially enjoyed the costumes and water-themed dance pieces. “The clothing in general,” Karina said when asked about her favorite part. “Especially the water sleeves’ [dance].”
‘Wonderful’
Audience members repeatedly highlighted Shen Yun’s colorful costumes and highly synchronized choreography as standout elements of the performance. Patty Boker, a textile designer, said she was especially captivated by the visual design of the production. “The show is wonderful,” Boker said, adding, “It’s very colorful, a lot of history and things that I didn’t know about China.”
Aside from showcasing stunning choreography, acrobatics, and a live orchestra that combines traditional Western and classical Chinese instruments, Shen Yun’s performances depict legends and historical stories from ancient China as well as modern tales of bravery and oppression taking place in China today.
Patty Boker, a textile designer, attended Shen Yun’s performance in Stamford, CT, on May 8, 2026. (Image: Ryan Wu/Vision Times)
“I’m really glad that they’re keeping the tradition going,” she noted. “It’s a beautiful, beautiful performance.” As someone who works professionally with textiles and design, Boker said the costumes particularly stood out to her. “The costumes are beautifully done,” she said, adding, “The colors that the women were wearing were just so soft and elegant.”
Boker said her favorite segment was the water-themed dance and described Shen Yun as a rare combination of dance and theater. “I feel like it’s a combination of dance and theater, and it’s very interesting to watch,” she said.
Traditional values on display
Several attendees also said the performance introduced them to aspects of traditional Chinese culture and spirituality they previously knew little about. Lorenzo Caroza, a technology professional who attended the show with his wife Jennifer on May 8, said the show was both entertaining and educational.
“It’s a show I’ve seen advertised for years and years,” said Caroza. “We always said, ‘Oh, we should have gone to see it.’” He said he learned new things throughout the performance, including the connection between classical Chinese dance and gymnastics. “My daughter is a gymnast, and I had no idea that came from classical Chinese dance,” he said. “I feel like I was learning something the whole show.”
Jennifer and Lorenzo Caroza attended Shen Yun’s performance in Stamford, CT, on May 8, 2026. (Image: Julie Wang/Vision Tiimes)
Caroza also praised the orchestra and dancers. “It’s like watching 20 principals at the same time,” he said, comparing the performers to elite ballet dancers. When asked if she would recommend the show to family and friends, Jennifer, who works in accounting, said, “It’s one of those things that it’s been on the list to do for a long time so I’m glad we finally made it.”
The couple also said they were also surprised to learn more about the spiritual themes referenced in the performance, including the persecution of faith groups in China. “I knew the show was banned in China,” said Lorenzo, “I knew there was more to the show than just dance and music, that there was a larger meaning.”
Many of Shen Yun’s performers and staff are practitioners of Falun Gong, a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline also known as Falun Dafa. The faith was immensely popular in China prior to being banned and subject to severe repression by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) starting in 1999. Because of the persecution, Shen Yun is not allowed to perform in mainland China.
‘Fantastic’
Another audience member, business owner Paul Dumaine, said Shen Yun showcases both the beauty of traditional Chinese culture and themes surrounding freedom of expression. “I enjoyed it,” Dumaine said. “It shows the culture and it tells a story.”
He said he appreciated how the performance contrasted traditional culture with political repression. “It was an explanation of how things were in old China, and how beautiful everything can be,” he said, “and how people want to have freedom of expression.”
Paul Dumaine attended Shen Yun’s performance in Stamford, CT on May 8, 2026. (Image: Ryan Wu/Vision Times)
‘Positive and inspiring’
Saturday evening audience members Bruce Seger and his mother, Teresa, also praised the production’s uplifting message. Seger, an attorney, company owner, and college law professor from Long Island, said he brought his mother to the performance as a Mother’s Day gift.
“It was a positive and inspiring message that is really needed in these difficult times,” Seger said. “I especially liked the finale, because it kind of left you with that positive message.”
Teresa, a retired teacher, said she found the entire performance memorable. “I really couldn’t choose,” she said when asked about her favorite part. “They were all fantastic.”
Bruce Seger and his mother, Teresa, attended Shen Yun’s performance in Stamford, CT, on May 9, 2026. (Image: Julie Wang/Vision Times)
‘Absolutely gorgeous’
George and Jenet Kuntz were similarly impressed by the production’s visual beauty and storytelling. “It was beautiful. The costumes were beautiful. The dancing was beautiful,” Jenet said. George added, “It was absolutely gorgeous. The dancing, the choreography, the pageantry; it was just wonderful.”
When asked if anything stood out to her, Jenet said the finale especially resonated with her. “I love the last one, the final one, because it was so spiritual,” she said. “It was just beautiful, bringing the whole story together.”
George and Jenet Kuntz attended Shen Yun’s performance in Stamford, CT, on May 9, 2026. (Image: Julie Wang/Vision Times)
‘A wonderful show, beautiful’
Euridiss Mani, a dental hygienist who attended the performance in Stamford with friends, also praised the artistry of the dancers and costumes. “This was a wonderful show, beautiful,” she said. “The dancing was so artistic. The costumes were beautiful, colorful, and very light.”
Euridiss Mani, a dental hygienist, attended Shen Yun’s performance in Stamford, CT, on May 9, 2026. (Image: Julie Wang/Vision Times)
When asked if she would recommend the show to family and friends, Mani said, “I enjoyed it and hope to see another show.”
Throughout the performances, theatergoers said Shen Yun left a lasting impression not only for the technical and visual spectacle but because of the emotion and meaning woven throughout the show. Through classical Chinese dance, live music, vibrant visuals, and stories rooted in traditional culture, the production connected with theatergoers from all walks of life and backgrounds.
For more information on Shen Yun Performing Arts, including FAQs and ticketing information, please visit the official website.