China before Communism? (Shen Yun in LA)

ShenYun.com/la; CC Liu, Crystal Quintero (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

The Beauty of Divine Beings Dancing 

Chinese acknowledge "good" dragons (nagas)

The gong resounds, the curtain opens, and a heavenly scene is set right before our eyes.

Fairies (devas) emerge from a sea of billowing clouds. Mongolians ride on horseback across grasslands as vast as the sky.

Classic stories of love and loss, of humor and heroic deeds, come to life. Audiences are amazed by how vibrant, exciting, and profound classical Chinese culture can be.

“An explosion of color and sound...Chinese culture in its fullest flower.” — Charlotte Observer

A Divine Culture — Lost

A billion Buddhists go uncounted in China

Through breathtaking dance and music, Shen Yun’s artists tell of a time when divine beings walked upon the earth, leaving behind a culture that inspired generations. Ancient Chinese wisdom, infused with Buddhist and Taoist spirituality and values, gave birth to everything from medical innovations to opera, dance, architecture, and even martial arts.

But after decades of communist rule, much of this divinely inspired culture has been destroyed or forgotten.

What's in a name, Shen Yun? Shen means "divine" in Chinese. Yun is "personal bearing" or "inner charm." Together, the name Shen Yun means the "beauty of divine beings dancing."

5,000 Years of Civilization Reborn

CIA's proxy war with China: Saving Tibet

Shen Yun is a brilliant artistic revival and celebration of China’s rich cultural heritage. Each performance consists of about 20 pieces, quickly moving from one legend, region, or dynasty to the next.

Themes range from the delicate elegance of Tang court ladies to the battlefield heroics of valiant generals, from the timeless philosophical works of Lao-Tzu to spectacular scenes of magical realms.

Some pieces also touch upon the topic of today’s China, shedding light on the oppression many experience for their spiritual beliefs, such as the banned practice of Falun Dafa.

These tales of courage are often what audience members find the most touching and uplifting. Shen Yun’s works convey the extraordinary depth and breadth of genuine Chinese culture and bring the magnificence of five thousand years of civilization to life on stage. More + VIDEO (trailer)