Recently, well-known social media personality Hu Liren attended a performance by the Shen Yun Performing Arts troupe at the David H. Koch Theater at New York’s Lincoln Center and delivered a deeply moving confession during a live broadcast. He described his experience with the word “shocking,” saying: “If I had to sum up this production in one sentence, I can only call it an epic masterpiece.”
After watching Shen Yun, he deeply regretted having missed it for a full seven years. As an “old art enthusiast” who has loved the arts since his youth, he had seen countless top-tier stage productions in Shanghai, Las Vegas, and around the world—from Broadway classics to classical ballets like Swan Lake and Don Quixote. Yet, it was only after seeing Shen Yun that he was truly amazed.
A multidimensional artistic shock—this is genuine Chinese culture
Shen Yun completely transformed his understanding of stage art. It was not merely a performance, but a grand, unfolding panorama of five thousand years of Chinese civilization.
First, the unparalleled dance mastery. In Western ballet, he often saw only one or two leading dancers, with the rest serving as supporting roles. But on the Shen Yun stage, he witnessed a miracle: dozens of Chinese classical dancers, each possessing world-class technique, strength, and poise. There were no true “supporting” roles—any one of them could stand alone as an international lead. This, he said, was miraculous.
Second, the fusion of Eastern and Western music. Shen Yun features a large live orchestra of over thirty young musicians. He had heard the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and other renowned ensembles worldwide, but Shen Yun’s orchestra was unique. It perfectly blends traditional Chinese instruments like the pipa, erhu, and traditional percussion with Western orchestral instruments. When Western instruments exquisitely convey the essence of Eastern music, the cross-cultural harmony creates a breathtaking auditory experience.
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Equally impressive were Shen Yun’s costumes and dynamic backdrop projections. He noted that the costume designers must have a deep understanding of Chinese history. The traditional attire was elegant yet understated, representing diverse cultures across dynasties and regions. The high-tech digital backdrop seamlessly integrated with live performers, allowing characters to move effortlessly between heaven and earth. Every breathtaking moment elicited gasps and thunderous applause from Western audiences.
A pure oasis in a muddled world—the ultimate refinement of cultivators
The highest level of art lies in the artist’s inner self. He was struck by the serene presence of Shen Yun’s performers.
In today’s often materialistic and superficial society, many performances carry a hint of showiness or negative energy. But Shen Yun performers radiate no trace of worldly dust. Their gaze and demeanor are like a crystal-clear spring—pure, natural, and sacred.
He reflected that this purity comes from the fact that the performers are Falun Gong practitioners. Only those with true inner faith, untainted by worldly distractions, can exude such soul-cleansing purity through their every movement. In the face of this purity, any secular prejudice feels powerless.
A Christian’s cross-cultural resonance—great respect and inclusivity
As a Christian of over twenty years, he spoke candidly to those who hold biases against Falun Gong.
He said: “Some people, out of ignorance, view this wise group with a childish perspective, even echoing the CCP’s smear campaigns. But any true faith seems mysterious to those who don’t understand it. The stories in the Bible can feel unbelievable if you don’t understand them—but once you do, you grasp their essence.”
He emphasized that America’s greatness lies in its God-given inclusivity, embracing all groups that do good and avoid evil. Likewise, people of faith should know how to respect and tolerate others.
He said he counted many Falun Gong practitioners as close friends. Though their beliefs differ, they respect one another. He admired what this group has achieved: while many overseas Chinese communities fall into infighting, Falun Gong members quietly create enduring miracles. They have built Shen Yun into a globally renowned, multi-company performing arts brand and established a media network.
He said: “Like me, they have a clear goal—to expose the CCP and reveal the true evil of communism to the world. I have great respect for that.”
A vow to never miss it again
In the Lincoln Center audience, most were Western mainstream viewers deeply captivated by the performance. While the CCP spends heavily on so-called “cultural exports” that few attend or require free tickets, Shen Yun has created a cultural miracle over twenty years, a source of pride for all Chinese who truly cherish traditional culture.
An epic work, a refined art that cleanses the body, mind, and spirit. He regretted missing it for seven years but felt fortunate to finally experience it. Learning that Shen Yun presents entirely new programs each year, he set a personal rule: “From this year on, I will attend Shen Yun every year.”
He sincerely encouraged overseas Chinese: “Whether or not you have faith, give yourself the chance to experience Shen Yun in person. A ticket costing a couple hundred dollars will bring an invaluable awakening and spiritual cleansing. If you have children, take them—it’s the best traditional cultural education for the next generation.”
Finally, after the livestream, he thanked the Shen Yun artists and the Falun Gong community for offering such a magnificent gift to humanity.
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