Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of Chinese culture. When the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) took power in 1949, it systematically began to destroy Chinese traditions and distort Chinese history.

Lakeland audiences last year appreciated the performance in many ways, from the stories of modern China to the traditional folk dances before communism.

“I know how so much persecution is going on in China, and I can see why they’ve outlawed this show because it really brings out what’s going on there,” said Garrett DenBleyker.

“The performance was great. The performance is full of emotion. It’s full of folklore and culture of a big, big country through many years,” said Ms. Garces.

“So, it was a very unique experience for us to see the Chinese people, the way that they conduct themselves, the way they dance, the beautiful dances. So, we’re very happy to see the show.”

“The show has a cultural impact and a religious impact. It’s very important for the people to know that God is good, and that’s the main reason for our existence, and he is our creator. It was a great, great message,” said Ms. Garces.

“So everything meant everything to me tonight: It was the joy. It was the movements. It was the choreography. It was the beauty of every face that was there, every heart that came off that stage, was giving to us so much joy and life ourselves,” she said.

Shen Yun currently has 10 companies touring the world simultaneously. Ms. Garces expressed her wish for Shen Yun to be seen by more people.

“It’s a great job. We hope that it continues in the whole world. Every time you can perform in different places, it is a good culture message,” she said.

This year, as Shen Yun is set to perform in over 200 cities throughout the United States and across five continents, the 2025 touring season is shaping up to be the artists’ busiest yet and a glorious treat for theatergoers.