Spokane Theatergoers Appreciate ‘Beautiful Culture’ in Shen Yun
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Kathryn Creswell and Dr. Joseph Creswell at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at First Interstate Center for the Arts on April 14, 2026. Echo Liu/The Epoch Times
SPOKANE, Wash.—Kathryn Creswell and Joseph Creswell saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on April 14, 2026, at First Interstate Center for the Arts.
“We can’t lose all the beautiful things that [Chinese culture] offers. This is just a beautiful culture and something that we can really appreciate—you can’t take that away from humans,” said Mr. Creswell, a doctor.
Shen Yun, based in New York, is on a mission to present “China before communism” and to revive people’s connection to 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and culture.
“You can tell they’ve been putting in lots of hours and dedication, and it was really neat to see their passion for their culture and traditions,” said Ms. Creswell, the receptionist and office manager of her husband’s medical office.
Shen Yun’s artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.
“The costumes, the choreography, just the flow of everything. It was just like, it was just so beautiful and impactful. I loved it,” Mr. Creswell said.
Mr. Creswell used to work in film post-production, so he understands the work that Shen Yun does to produce a performance of its caliber.
“The artistry, the final shot, everything was just phenomenal. It was just really pretty. The colors all came together really nicely,” he said.
Shen Yun uses classical Chinese dance to tell stories from China’s five millennia. Its dance stories also portray the modern true story of Falun Dafa practitioners being persecuted for their faith in China. Falun Dafa is a peaceful practice that teaches the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
The three words, Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, rang true with Mr. Creswell.
“I believe in Christ, and I believe that he was an example of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance,” he said.
“This is something that everyone needs. The world [should] be more compassionate, and truthful, and tolerant of each other, and love and serve. I feel like that’s what Christ taught, and this is what they’ve taught here as well. So I like it,” he added.
The Shen Yun Orchestra, which tours with Shen Yun, is a unique combination of traditional Chinese instruments and a classic Western ensemble.
“The orchestra—the music was just phenomenal,” Ms. Creswell said.
