Since 2006, the classical Chinese dance company Shen Yun has grown from one touring company to seven that travel around the globe simultaneously.
They share one goal: To revive traditional Chinese culture that has nearly been lost.
A 13-time Emmy-winning reporter and news anchor Marcella Lee brought her family to see Shen Yun in San Diego to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
“It was spectacular! All the colors, the beautiful movements … and when the actors and the artists dance, and they tumble, they’re so graceful—it’s almost as if they have wings! I enjoyed it immensely,” said Lee.
Lee’s mother was born in China and is now living with Lee and her family in the United States. Being born and raised in the United States, Lee felt that it was important to bring her children to see Shen Yun to experience traditional Chinese arts and culture.
“It was almost like we took a trip as a family back in time, and got to relive what it might have been like back in the days of the Manchurian [court]. We saw the palaces and all kinds of history here brought into real life in living color for my kids, and that was what was so unique for me, to expose them to some of the Chinese histories that date back thousands of years,” Lee said.
Jerry Jamison, the owner of Jamison Advertising Group—a national advertising agency with Fortune 100 clients, also saw Shen Yun in San Diego.
“[Shen Yun] is a really good example of how you’re bringing culture into today’s environment. So it’s just spectacular,” said Jamison.
Since Shen Yun’s 2020 tour began, it has received praise from people around the globe.
A well-known Italian soprano was in awe when she saw Shen Yun in Modena.
“I have just emerged from a magical world of color, harmony, and perfection,” said Raina Kabaivanska. “I must say that in my life I have seen many performances, many ballets, but such professionalism, really, is rare. I would say there is a spirit to this company, and this spirit guides these marvelous artists.”
From legends to ethnic dance to stories of modern-day China, Shen Yun’s mission is to bring back traditional values that are deeply rooted in ancient Chinese culture but that has been almost lost today.
Disney recording artist Judith Bérard from Quebec, Canada, was moved to tears while watching Shen Yun.
“There is this feminine grace, sweetness that we don’t find anymore in media and everyday life,” said Bérard. “[Shen Yun] made me feel so good, I was wrapped in sweetness, something I don’t feel in everyday life, so my tears were coming down. The grace that was emitted from the scene wrapped and carried me up.”
