I had been looking forward to seeing the Shen Yun dance company for years. Who hasn’t seen the advertisements showcasing the gorgeous, colourful costumes, precision dancing, and breathtaking athleticism?
I was hoping to catch one of their performances in Toronto last March, but unfortunately, the run was abruptly cancelled after the company and the venue received threats related to Shen Yun’s show content.
But why? To answer that question, a little bit of history may be helpful.
For thousands of years, Chinese civilization was deeply influenced by spiritual and philosophical traditions that emphasized the harmony of Heaven, Earth, and humanity. After the Chinese Communist Party came to power in 1949, this spiritual heritage was seen as a threat, and these traditional beliefs were replaced with communist ideology.
In 2006, a group of Chinese artists based in New York came together, intent on reviving and celebrating traditional culture through classical Chinese dance and music, operating independently of the Chinese government. Shen Yun was born.
Since then, Shen Yun has grown into eight separate companies that have toured internationally, introducing audiences worldwide to stories, legends, and artistic traditions that celebrate China’s rich cultural heritage.
Happily, Shen Yun recently returned to Toronto to wrap up its 20th-anniversary season after the spring run was cut short. The two-hour performance is a spectacular celebration of classical Chinese dance, but it’s so much more than sumptuous costumes and flawlessly synchronized choreography. It features theatrical vignettes and stunning solo vocal and instrumental performances, accompanied by the majestic sounds of the 45-piece Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra, which performs original scores composed specifically for the production.
The evening is hosted by Jared Madsen and Julie Xu, impeccably dressed in elegant formalwear. Together, they introduce each performance in both English and Chinese. No Oscar-night-style witty banter—just clear, concise commentary that provides enough context for each piece before the curtain rises.
Witnesses to this spectacle are transported through time and space, from heavenly realms and imperial dynasties to present-day China. Legends unfold, values are explored, and timeless stories are brought vividly to life through dance.
Two of my favourites were the Men’s Classical Chinese Dance, showcasing the strength, athleticism, and precision of these impeccably trained performers. Their rounded, flowing movements blend seamlessly with sharply executed leaps and breathtaking aerial techniques that seemed to suspend them mid-air. It was serene and powerful, graceful and dynamic.
Next, Water Sleeves is a mesmerizing dance performed by the women of the company, set beside tranquil waters and a peaceful pavilion. Their flowing silk sleeves sweep gracefully through the air, creating ever-changing ribbons of colour and movement. It is one of several traditional dances that mesmerized me throughout the evening, each more captivating than the last, showcasing the extraordinary artistry, discipline, and technical mastery of this remarkable company.
The performance is woven together through a series of dance vignettes—stories that range from humorous to deeply moving, reflecting both China’s rich cultural heritage and its more turbulent recent history. Act One’s How the Monkey King Came to Be, The Legend of Master Zhang Guolao, and Scholarly Affection, each brought vividly to life through expressive movement, impeccable timing, and delightful pantomime. The performers’ character work here is wonderfully comedic.
The mood shifts dramatically with The Steadfast Heart, a contemporary story in modern China in which a young man is arrested, beaten, and imprisoned because of his faith in Falun Dafa, a moral philosophy based on truth, compassion and forbearance. This leaves his mother to endure unimaginable anguish. Through powerful choreography and evocative music, the piece is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Soprano Haolan Geng captivates the audience with a soaring vocal performance, Our Lives Have Purpose, beautifully accompanied on the grand piano by Lu Qin.
Act Two offers perhaps the evening’s most breathtaking visual spectacle with Peacock Paradise. Audible gasps rippled through the theatre as an ensemble of peacock-fairy dancers appeared to emerge simultaneously from a billowing cloud, transforming what had been an empty stage moments before into an ethereal realm. They glided with effortless grace before culminating in the striking formation of a magnificent peacock—a breathtaking tableau that has stayed with me.
You Reap What You Sew, is another charming tale in which a magical fruit tree transforms the fortunes of a few villagers, proving that humour and kindness can be just as compelling as spectacle.
Destiny Now Fulfilled features soloist Zilin Gao’s mastery of the erhu—a two-stringed Chinese instrument, like a violin. She delivers a captivating and deeply emotional performance that I found exquisitely hypnotic.
Choreographers Gu Yuan, Yungchia Chen, and Gu Xuan have created a production that showcases an art form seldom seen in the West. They combine breathtaking athleticism with lyrical grace, explosive precision with flowing, expressive movement. The troupe moves as one. No one is out of step or on the wrong foot. Ever. They lift, land and even breathe in perfect synchronicity. Every movement, every gesture, tells a story. Even the gravity-defying leaps, flips, and aerial techniques are woven seamlessly into the narrative rather than performed simply for spectacle.
The costumes, designed by Artistic Director D.F., are a feast for the eyes—sumptuous, vibrant, and wonderfully diverse. Rich colours and luxurious fabrics create a dazzling visual spectacle, while the attention to historical and mythological detail is extraordinary. From elaborate imperial robes and ornate headdresses to the simple attire of farmers and the ethereal garments of the gods, every costume is thoughtfully crafted and exquisitely beautiful.
The innovative 3D digital projection backdrops, also designed by Artistic Director D.F., complete the production’s stunning stagecraft. Sweeping vistas of temples, mountains, rivers, villages, and ancient cities create pastel landscapes that blend seamlessly with the live performance. Through remarkably precise timing, dancers appear to leap effortlessly back and forth between the stage and the animated scenes. The effect is immersive, magical, and unlike anything I have seen on stage.
The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Gao Yuan, performs lush, original scores. Renowned for their musical blend of classical Western and traditional Chinese instruments, these musicians create a grand, precise and evocative sound. Their music is not just accompaniment; it heightens the emotion and enhances each story.
To call Shen Yun entertainment would undersell its impact. Its stated mission is to revive and celebrate traditional Chinese culture through classical Chinese dance, music and storytelling.
Mission accomplished!
With a new production each year, Shen Yun continues to showcase an extraordinary company of dancers and musicians whose artistry, athleticism, and storytelling combine to create a visually breathtaking theatrical experience. It’s that rare production that inspires wonder, provokes reflection, and left me genuinely moved long after the final curtain fell.
The production ran at Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen Street West.
Running time: approximately 2 hours with one intermission.
To learn more, visit the official website: www.shenyunperformingarts.org
