SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Lyon Audiences Describe Shen Yun as a Deeply Moving, Spiritually Uplifting Experience

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Lyon Audiences Describe Shen Yun as a Deeply Moving, Spiritually Uplifting Experience
Axelle Masson and her daughter Laure attend Shen Yun at the Amphithéâtre 3000 in Lyon on April 11, 2026. NTD
Epoch Newsroom
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LYON, France—Many audience members at a Shen Yun Performing Arts don’t leave the theater without being deeply moved. Combining visual wonder with spiritual depth, the performance leaves a lasting impression on many first-time viewers. From two testimonials gathered after the afternoon performance on April 11, a picture emerges of an experience that goes far beyond a simple dance performance.

Founded in New York, Shen Yun brings to life 5,000 years of Chinese civilization that has all but disappeared in China. Classical Chinese dance, one of the world’s oldest dance forms, is characterized by a wealth of technical elements: jumps, spins, expressive postures, and above all, an inner dimension in which movement is closely linked to emotion and spiritual elevation.

That’s exactly what struck Axelle Masson, a construction manager in the real estate sector, who came with her daughter Laure. “It’s truly a marvel. You’re immersed in the culture, myths, and tales […] that you know nothing about,” Ms. Masson said.

Through its scenes, Shen Yun transports the audience into a world where legends, divine figures, and historical tales intertwine, brought to life by a refined aesthetic and dazzling costumes. But beyond its visual beauty, it is the inner dimension that leaves the deepest impression on viewers.

“I also find that it’s something that truly does the soul a world of good […] a rejuvenation of the soul,” Ms. Masson said. “In your show, I’d say there’s perhaps an extra touch of soul.”

She said that Shen Yun transcends conventional categories. “It’s not just a dance performance […] it’s something that touches the very core of one’s being […] and transcends generations, time, space, and souls,” she said.

This ability to touch the inner self is at the very heart of classical Chinese dance, where the expression of emotions—joy, compassion, courage—lies at the core of every movement.

Experience Shared Across Generations

For her daughter Laure, a middle school student, emotion is first and foremost about beauty and color. “I really love it when things are colorful […] the costumes were magnificent,” she said.

She also sensed a deeper dimension. “I never expected there to be so much spirituality, so many colors, so many wonders. […] It brings me a little joy […] it’s soothing […] it’s truly magical,” she said.

This dual interpretation—both aesthetic and personal—allows the performance to appeal to audiences of all ages, with everyone finding something that resonates with them personally. The production, which combines dance and digital projections, reinforces the sense of a connection between Heaven and Earth.

“I felt it deep down inside […] it moved me deeply […] I felt very connected during the performance,” said Ms. Masson of Shen Yun’s universal message. “It is a message for all of humanity […] that brings humanity together,” she said.

This aspect captures the essence of the name Shen Yun, translated as “the beauty of divine beings dancing.”

Values and Beauty

After seeing Shen Yun, Jean-Michel Deplante, director of a training institute in Savoie, said, “It was truly a wonderful performance […] something exceptional.”

He said, “It was my first time seeing this show, and it makes me want to come back. It really gets under your skin.”

Jean-Michel Deplante attends Shen Yun in Lyon on April 11, 2026. (NTD)
Jean-Michel Deplante attends Shen Yun in Lyon on April 11, 2026. NTD

He also spoke of a tangible presence of the spiritual message. “Yes, I felt that connection […] you can really feel it just sitting there in your chair,” he said.

And above all, he remembered the values expressed during the performance. “Genuine kindness […] wonderful values,” he said.

In a world often marked by divisions, Shen Yun stands as a force for unity.

“There is a sense of transcendence and humanity that comes through in this show,” Ms. Masson said.

She also noted a rare phenomenon: spontaneous conversations among audience members after the performance, even between her daughter and people from a different generation, as if the performance had created a space for dialogue and sharing.

Lasting Impact

As people left the theater, many felt that something had changed.

“We’re not used to feeling such a sense of connection and lightness after leaving a show,” Ms. Masson said.

After seeing the performance, Mr. Deplante said he had  “a sense of fulfillment,” while Laure said she felt “overjoyed.”

Ms. Masson added: “It feels good deep down in your soul.”

Reporting by Nathalie Dieul and translated from the French language Epoch Times by Sonia Rouleau.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
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