Shen Yun Receives a Warm Traditional Welcome in Poland
As the Shen Yun artists walked into the airport lobby that afternoon, excited fans cheered in Chinese, “Welcome, Shen Yun!” Each artist was greeted with a bouquet or a single rose, beautifully wrapped in red and white ribbons representing the Polish flag.
Shen Yun Performing Arts International company arrived at Warsaw Chopin Airport in Poland, where fans warmly welcomed them on Dec. 31. 2024. Mary Mann/The Epoch Times
Shen Yun’s principal dancer, at the Warsaw Chopin Airport, on Dec. 31. 2024. Mary Mann/The Epoch Times
Jared Ren, the principal dancer of Shen Yun, is performing in Poland for the first time. He expressed his enthusiasm about the new program, stating, “The pieces this year are truly meant to resonate with the audience, encouraging them to be better people and find more motivation in life.”
He elaborated on how he approaches various roles by dedicating time to understand the character’s thoughts, historical background, body language, and mindset. Prior to a performance, he envisions himself in the role, saying, “I am a villain, or I am a hero, I am a commoner. I strive to become that character and then step onto the stage as that person rather than as myself,” he noted.
Shen Yun presents 5,000 years of Chinese civilization prior to communism, setting them apart from other Chinese dance companies, which Ren described as “propaganda tools” for the Chinese government.
“When audiences watch our performance, we aim to inspire them to become better individuals,” he explained. “Conversely, productions from China focus on the darker aspects of humanity, leaving the viewer feeling disheartened. Our goal is to instill hope, while Chinese shows often convey despair,” he remarked.
Ren expressed his eagerness to showcase the new program to Polish audiences.
Shen Yun’s principal dancer at the Warsaw Chopin Airport, on Dec. 31, 2024. Mary Mann/The Epoch Times
Shen Yun dancers only have a six-month window to develop an entirely new program. As a dancer, she encounters numerous challenges, particularly when adapting to new characters and roles.
She revealed that this year she will be portraying a character that starkly contrasts with her own personality, admitting, “It was quite challenging to step into the role. Yet, it became a process of shedding my own identity and immersing myself in the character’s experiences to truly understand them.”
She wished to convey to the Polish audience, “This year’s programs are certainly not to be missed, and I genuinely hope they enjoy the performance as much as we do in showcasing it for them.”
Shen Yun’s trombonist Alistair Crawford at the Warsaw Chopin Airport.on Dec.31. Mary Mann/The Epoch Times
Shen Yun trombonist Alistair Crawford remarked to The Epoch Times that Shen Yun’s melodies are “distinct and exceptionally beautiful.”
He mentioned that the musicians impart powerful energy to the audience through harmonious, uplifting, and pure music. “It is very harmonious and enjoyable to listen to, which also makes it a pleasure to perform,” he elaborated.
The Shen Yun orchestra operates in perfect unison with the dancers on stage. Crawford explained, “We dedicate a lot of time to rehearsing together. In addition, we share a strong passion and a collective belief in our mission. We all share the same vision for our performances.”
He added, “Creating a memorable experience for the audience through our performance is incredibly special.” Witnessing the audience’s genuine reactions, especially at the conclusion of the show, makes it all worthwhile.
Shen Yun’s Violinist Steven Song at the Warsaw Chopin Airport, on Dec.31, 2024. Mary Mann/The Epoch Times
Violinist Steven Song stated that Shen Yun’s music is remarkable for its blending of Eastern melodies with Western harmonies, creating a lyrically powerful sound that “is hard to find anywhere else.”
As a practitioner of Falun Dafa, Song feels that his commitment to the values of ‘truth, compassion, and tolerance’ has enriched his life and enhanced his performance skills.
“Embodying these values in our daily routines transforms my perspective significantly. I believe it’s very meaningful to express this through my music,” he shared.
He expressed, “This year’s show is absolutely something you shouldn’t miss.”
Violinist Stella Zhang at the Warsaw Chopin Airport, on Dec. 31, 2024. Mary Mann/The Epoch Times
She explained that unlike Western productions like opera or ballet, which may take two to three hours to tell a single story, Shen Yun conveys complex narratives in brief vignettes lasting around seven minutes, exploring everything from historical events to Chinese mythology to comedic moments.
“Since music serves as a universal language, every dialogue brings the characters to life on stage, requiring a fitting atmosphere, accurate tempo, and expressiveness, thus giving the music a profound significance in the show,” she elaborated.
“It’s my first visit to Poland, and given its stature as a key musical hub in Western music, I’m truly honored to be here,” she said.
Polish Fan Presents Bread and Salt
Among the numerous fans, Maria presented Shen Yun with bread and salt, a traditional Slavic welcoming gesture for esteemed guests—women in traditional dress place the bread on an embroidered cloth along with salt and ceremoniously offer it to the guests.
The specially baked bread carried the inscription “Welcome Shen Yun 2025 to Poland.”
Maria presents the specially baked bread and salt to Shen Yun at Warsaw Chopin airport on Dec. 31, 2024. Mary Mann/The Epoch Times
Maria, attired in traditional Polish clothing that was once prohibited during the communist regime, was nearly moved to tears. She stated, “Today is a significant day, as Shen Yun, devoted to preserving and celebrating traditional culture, has arrived in Poland to display pre-communist Chinese culture. Poland was the first nation to dismantle communism, which is why I support Shen Yun.”
Another admirer, Tomasz Brzozowski, commented, “Poland has endured under communism, and Shen Yun is cleansing this region. I’m ecstatic to welcome Shen Yun here today!”
Ms. Zhang, a Chinese businesswoman residing in Poland, remarked, “Shen Yun’s arrival at the beginning of the new year brings immense blessings to Poland. We recognize how hard the performers work, and we hope that while sharing these blessings with the world, they also take care of themselves.”
Organizers Eagerly Anticipate Shen Yun’s ‘Eastward Journey’
Shen Yun will stage ten magnificent performances in Poland, including in the northeastern city of Białystok, the historic city of Lublin, and Łódź, the capital of Łódź Province.
Furthermore, Polish organizers have united with their Latvian colleagues to host a performance in Riga, the capital of Latvia.
Reporting by Mary Mann.
