SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Corpus Christi Theatergoers Finds Shen Yun’s Presentation of Chinese Culture Illuminating

Feb 25, 2025

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas—Chinese history is often mixed with mythology and legend and Shen Yun Performing Arts is bringing these precious moments of history back to life.

“I knew that it would be about Chinese history. I didn’t realize just how much it would delve into all the different eras. You have so many dynasties it’s hard to keep track of. So it was very good. Really loved the performers, the performances, the orchestra. Everything was absolutely awesome,” said Nicholas Zack, a political speaker for Alternate Energy, who saw the performance with his wife Cheryl and son Ian at the American Bank Center Selena Auditorium on Feb. 25.

“It was actually pretty awesome. I didn’t really know about Chinese mythology but I actually found it quite illuminating,” said Ian Zack.

Shen Yun, based in New York, is the world’s leading classical Chinese dance company and its mission is to revive 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.

In addition to bringing to life the dynasties and mythology of ancient China, Shen Yun often shows audiences China is more diverse than they might have thought. There are some 50-plus ethnic minorities in China and Shen Yun’s programs include several ethnic and folk dances.

“Very educational and very culturally diverse, which is important. A lot of people don’t do that. I’m one of those people who traveled the world, and it’s very nice to be able to see something even here in Corpus Christi, Texas, that has that,” Mr. Zack said.

Shen Yun puts on a new production each year and it finds inspiration from Chinese history, literature, myth, and legend.

“It was beautiful. It’s a beautiful show. It is beautiful. I love the history of the Chinese culture. It was gorgeous. It’s gorgeous,” Mrs. Zack said.

The costumes in Shen Yun were designed by Shen Yun’s artistic director, D.F. The attire is historically appropriate to each dynasty being depicted and has often been described as the attire worn in the heavens.

“The way that they use them on stage, it’s just amazing. You can tell that there was a lot of thought put into the way they move, and the fabric, and the way that the fabric moves, and the way that the dancers can manipulate it. It’s gorgeous,” Mrs. Zack said.

Shen Yun’s use of its digital backdrop is unique as the technology is patented. The versatility of technology allows the set to change scenes in the blink of an eye, giving the stage endless possibilities.

“It was really beautiful to see it put out in such a way, between the CGI behind, and then everything with the dancers bringing everything together, and I think it’s a great way to share your culture,” Mr. Zack said.

Reporting by Sonia Wu and Maria Han.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.