Shen Yun Performing Arts concluded a successful run in Toulon, France, on Jan. 7, with four performances at Le Zénith, one of the city’s major venues. Through its stunning blend of classical Chinese dance, music, and storytelling, Shen Yun’s mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture, long suppressed by communism. Audience members commented on the exceptional artistic skills of the performers.

Raymond Spitz, a former luxury hotel executive, said, “That was incredible! Truly breathtaking. The choreography was stunning, and the performance was fantastic. Everything was just perfect.”

“It’s amazing, amazing, amazing. And then the technology, seeing the dancers come out of the screen, it’s magical. It’s magical, it’s so beautiful,” said Emma Guittard, a former company director.

“I’m really happy I came to see this show. It’s something totally different from what I’m used to. I think it’s really refreshing. And at the same time, it gives insight into Chinese culture, which I’m not very familiar with. So it’s a chance to experience something different,” said Emeric Levy, a consulting firm owner.

Nicole Spitz, a former luxury hotel executive, said, “stunning costumes, flawless, exceptional dancers, both the male and female dancers were outstanding, I’m blown away by the set, dazzled, enchanted, like a child.”

Shen Yun tours with a live orchestra and brings together a unique blend of classical Western and Chinese instruments. Among these is the erhu, a two-stringed instrument. Its captivating sound enchanted theatergoers.

“Wow. That was fantastic. Such a beautiful musician with an instrument completely new to us. We wished we could hear it again and again. It was truly delightful,” said Ms. Spitz.

“I really enjoyed the stories being told and the way they’re presented. I have to say, I’m also quite impressed by the mix of what I see on stage. The culture combined with the orchestra playing classical instruments like the violin and flute. I find that really impressive,” said Mr. Levy.

“They’re really top-notch. You can clearly see they have training and expertise. It’s very, very, very beautiful and really, really, really professional,” said Fernand Taviot, a former Navy enlisted leader.

Audience members praised the New York–based company, saying they felt uplifted by its timeless stories, told through classical Chinese dance.

“When I see these dancers, it makes me want to fly, escape, and enter another world to the magical universe this performance brings to life,” said Ms. Guittard.

Mr. Spitz said, “It puts you in a completely different mindset, almost surrounded by a sense of Divinity, if I can put it that way.”

Ms. Spitz said, “Even as Christians, everything speaks to us. We felt a real connection. Everything resonates, and it makes us want to explore it more deeply.”

“These days, I find it really refreshing. There’s a lot of reflection on how we live together and how we accept one another. The performance feels perfectly timed, especially given what’s happening in places like the United States, Venezuela, and Iran. It’s like seeing flowers in spring. It feels like a renewal is happening. It would be wonderful if everyone could hear [Shen Yun]’s message,” said Ms. Guittard.

“It’s rare that I go to a performance and think of nothing but the performance I’m watching. So one thing that’s certain is that you’ve given me this … I don’t even know how long it lasted, you know? You don’t notice the time passing. And what you’ve given me is a moment where I could truly escape. That’s incredibly important,” said Mr. Levy. “I think the art you’re presenting today has the ability to offer that to people, to give them a chance to escape for a little while. We’re living in a time that’s not easy, it’s not simple. You’ve provided a brief moment of peace where we can disconnect. And I’m grateful for that.”

Toulon marks the third stop in France for Shen Yun Performing Arts. Next on the tour is the city of Rouen, in the Normandy region. In total, Shen Yun will perform in 15 French cities across the country, with the tour reaching Paris on Jan. 23.

NTD News, Toulon, France

NTD is a media sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts, covering audience reactions since 2006.