Six Years of Shen Yun

In the past eight years, my mother and I have been fortunate enough to attend six Shen Yun performances at the Mahaffey Theater.

Shen Yun is a performance that showcases classical Chinese dance combined with bright costumes and props, an interactive background, and live orchestra. Each performance shares a different and unique story or theme through different elements.

Having a long history of admiration for Asian culture’s elegance, traditions and diversity, my mother, in 2013, decided to get tickets for the show.

Since then, it has become an almost yearly tradition for us to attend the performance and enjoy a night out together.

This year was our sixth year attending, and after the show we could see how much the show has evolved and grown over the years.

In 2013, most attendees were mature, sophisticated adults and seniors. Needless to say, a then 13-year-old girl was slightly out of place. Over the years though, I have seen younger audiences become drawn to the show, and now people of all ages attend the event.

The bright, elegant and detailed costumes have been a staple of every show, but the colors seem to become more saturated and eye catching each performance.

The images in the background, on the interactive screen, also have become more visually full and interesting.

Photographing this notice is a humorous annual tradition.

Whimsical humor was used more than usual in this year’s performance, and it was a welcomed addition.

Props have always been in the Shen Yun performances. In the past, the collection included long, flowing sleeves, drums, fans, glass water jugs and more.

Each year they use most of the same items, such as the beautiful long sleeves and powerful drum. This year had additions such as lanterns, a magical flute and spinning flowers.

Years ago, Shen Yun was not as well-known as it is today. There were little to no commercials or advertisements so attendance, although still very full, always had a handful of seats open. This year, the event was sold out and it was a packed house.

Some of the things we've collected over the years, including postcards, bookmarks, a scarf ring, a puzzle, etc.

As attendance has grown, so has the merchandise tables. Past performances with smaller attendance rates only needed one or two small tables for the few items they were selling. This year, with the vast array of items they now sell, at least five long tables were needed to accommodate the demand.