In the afternoon, as Shen Yun artists entered the airport lobby, enthusiastic fans cheered in Chinese, “Welcome, Shen Yun!” Each artist received a bouquet or a single rose carefully wrapped in red and white ribbons, symbolizing the Polish flag.

Jared Ren, Shen Yun’s principal dancer, is performing in Poland for the first time. He expressed his excitement about presenting the new program, saying, “This year’s pieces will really touch the audience, to inspire them to become a better person, to have more motivation in life.”

He shared his process for playing different roles, involving extensive preparation to understand the character’s thoughts, historical context, posture, and mindset. Before performing, he visualizes himself as the character, “ I am a villain, or I am a hero, I am a commoner. I’ve tried to become that person and then go on stage as that person and not as myself,” he said.

Shen Yun showcases 5,000 years of Chinese civilization before communism, setting it apart from Chinese dance companies, which Ren described as “propaganda tools” for the Chinese government.

“When people watch our show, we try to inspire them to become better individuals,” he said. “But when you watch productions from China, they highlight the darkness of humanity and leave you feeling depressed about the world. I would say we aim to bring hope, while shows from China bring despair,” he added.

Ren said he “can’t wait” to show the new program to the Polish audience.

Kathy Wu, Shen Yun’s female principal dancer, is visiting Poland for the first time. “I’m very excited to see the country because I’ve heard stories about how wonderful it is, and the people here are really kind,” she said.

Shen Yun performers have just six months to prepare an entirely new program. As a dancer, she faces many challenges, especially when learning new characters and roles.

She disclosed this year she’s going to play a character vastly different from her own personality, “it was actually really hard to get into the role. But then it’s like a process of letting go of myself and putting myself into the character’s shoes to really understand them.”

She wanted to tell the Polish audience, “This year’s programs are definitely not to be missed, and I hope they will enjoy the show as much as we enjoy performing for them.”

Shen Yun trombonist Alistair Crawford told The Epoch Times that Shen Yun’s melodies are “very unique and very beautiful.”

He said musicians convey powerful energy to the audience through the music they perform, which is harmonious, uplifting, and pure. “I'd say it’s very harmonious and pleasant to listen to, which also makes it enjoyable to play,” he added.

The Shen Yun orchestra works seamlessly with the dancers on stage. Crawford explained, “We spend a lot of time practicing together. Not only that, but we also share a passion for what we do and a unified belief in it. We all have the same vision for what we do.”

He said, “Bringing something memorable to the audience through our performance is truly special.” Seeing the audience’s heartfelt reaction, especially at the end, makes it all feel worthwhile, he added.

Violinist Steven Song said Shen Yun’s music is unique for its fusion of Eastern melodies and Western harmonies, creating a beautifully lyrical and powerful sound that “you really can’t find anywhere else.”

As a Falun Dafa practitioner, Song believes his belief in “truth, compassion, and tolerance” has benefited him in life and in his performing abilities.

“I think really following these values in our daily lives really changes the way I perceive things. And trying to bring that out through my music, I think that’s very meaningful.”

He wants to tell the audience that this year’s show is “definitely something you don’t want to miss.”

She said in Western productions like opera or ballet it usually takes two to three hours to perform one story, but Shen Yun’s short vignettes, each about seven minutes long, convey complex narratives—whether historical events, Chinese mythology, or comedy, in relatively shorter times.

“Because the music really comes in as a universal language, every single dialogue, the characters really come alive on stage, and then the atmosphere has to be right, the tempo has to be right, and the expressivity has to be there, so it’s kind of like a new level of meaning the music is bringing to the show,” she said.

The specially baked bread bore the words “Welcome Shen Yun 2025 to Poland.”

Maria, dressed in traditional Polish clothing once banned during the communist era, was almost moved to tears. She said, “Today is a great day because Shen Yun, dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional culture, has arrived in Poland to showcase pre-communist Chinese culture. Poland was the first country to abolish communism, and that’s why I support Shen Yun.”

Another fan, Tomasz Brzozowski, said, “Poland has suffered under communism, and Shen Yun is purifying this region. I’m so happy to welcome Shen Yun here today.”

Additionally, Polish organizers have joined their Latvian counterparts to host a performance in Riga, the capital of Latvia.