Shen Yun Performing Arts will present an all-new production once again at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts in Pittsburgh on April 26 and 27.
“I like the energy, am feeling the history, [and] getting to know the culture,” said Chris Treib, a company vice president. What stood out to him when he saw Shen Yun last year was “the artistry, the detail of every move, and the integration of the screen.”
“I think, for me, it was the way that the story was told just with music and dance. That was gorgeous,” said Pennsylvania State Representative Jessica Benham in 2023. “I don’t think anyone can watch a performance filled with that much emotion and not come away touched by it.”
“I love the fact that it’s a movement you’re creating. That’s a double entendre there. You are, with your dance movement, but you’re creating another movement to show that we can have peace and unity through art,” Pennsylvania State Senator Patrick J. Stefano said.
When she attended a Shen Yun performance in 2023, owner and instructor of a dance studio Rebecca Reese said, “I can’t wait to get back to the studio and share this experience with my students.”
With her 25 years of experience in dance, Ms. Reese noted the high level of training and skill of the dancers.
“It’s the beautiful fluidity through the movement and things like that. They’re very talented performers,” she said.
“I think [Shen Yun] challenges us to embrace each other rather than just ourselves. [We need to] express the divinity within ourselves and let the world see that,” landscape owner T.J. Belsterling said.
“Each year, we learn a little bit more about modern-day China and China before communism,” said Lindsey Ries, a director of government affairs for a national tech association. China before communism “seems like a simpler time,” said Mrs. Ries. “It seems very beautiful. It’s interesting; it’s something that I didn’t know about before, so I’m actually learning stuff while I’m here each time.”
Physician and medical director Houssam Abdul said, “What a nice [performance]. It catches your soul. There’s many values in it. You can see that every move they make is built on the values of goodness and commitment to traditions.”
Mr. Abdul was shocked and saddened that this is still happening today. “It’s heartbreaking. They take those organs against their wishes. Those people are alive, and they’re taking the organs out. You invade human autonomy when you do something against [the people’s] wishes, let alone taking their organs out,” he said.
“Although some of the stories are not happy stories, but they’re [stories] that need to be told,” she said.
Melvin Hubbard El is an advisor to Pittsburgh’s mayor. He shared his belief that everyone in Pennsylvania should come and see Shen Yun.
“Everybody across Pennsylvania should be here to see this today,” said Mr Hubbard El. “Don’t miss the next time it comes through here. Be here and experience for yourself, because it’s something you have to experience.”
This year, as Shen Yun is set to perform in over 200 cities around the world and across five continents, the 2025 touring season is shaping up to be the artists’ busiest yet and a glorious treat for theater goers.
