Financial Advisor Praises Shen Yun as Showcasing 'Heart of Chinese Culture'

Audience members describe the performance as 'mesmerizing' and 'moving them to tears'.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Shen Yun Performing Arts captivated audiences in Tucson, Arizona, with its presentation of traditional Chinese culture and dance. Financial advisor Todd Hansen said the show moved him to tears, as he felt he was truly experiencing the 'heart of Chinese culture' through the performance. Other audience members, including business owners Katie McMurrich and David Eisenhuth, also praised the show's vibrant colors, graceful dancers, and impressive acrobatics.

Why it matters

Shen Yun's mission is to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture that was nearly lost under communist rule. The performance provides audiences a rare glimpse into China's rich heritage, which has been suppressed by the Chinese government. The overwhelmingly positive response from attendees highlights the deep appreciation for this cultural revival.

The details

Shen Yun Performing Arts presented shows at Tucson's Linda Ronstadt Music Hall on February 28 and March 1, 2026. The performance featured classical Chinese dance, music, and storytelling that aimed to showcase the beauty of 'China before communism'. Audience members were captivated by the vibrant colors, graceful dancers, and impressive acrobatics on display.

  • Shen Yun performed in Tucson, Arizona on February 28 and March 1, 2026.
  • Shen Yun will perform in Phoenix, Arizona from March 5-8, 2026.

The players

Todd Hansen

A financial advisor who said the Shen Yun performance moved him to tears, as he felt he was truly experiencing the 'heart of Chinese culture'.

Katie McMurrich

A business owner who said she was 'mesmerized' by the vibrant colors, graceful dancers, and plans to return to see the show again.

David Eisenhuth

A business owner who described the performance as 'very emotional' and said it made him realize there is 'so much other beauty in this world'.

Alan Cox

A former weather observer for the National Weather Service who was impressed by the 'choreography, the unison, the intricacy' of the Shen Yun performance.

Shen Yun Performing Arts

A New York-based performing arts company that aims to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture through classical Chinese dance and music.

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What they’re saying

“You can hear something, you can see something, but you really, truly feel at this show. You feel moved, at least that's what I felt. I was in tears. I was in tears 15 years ago, and I was in tears probably half the acts, six of the 12 acts, just tears running down my face, just that moved.”

— Todd Hansen, Financial Advisor (ntd.com)

“I am so glad I'm here. We're having a great time, and it's just mesmerizing. The dancers are graceful. There are so many vibrant colors and costumes. And we already have plans to come back. My son really wants to come see it too, so we'll be back for sure.”

— Katie McMurrich, Business Owner (ntd.com)

“It's very emotional. As you're watching it, it comes right to your soul and you start realizing that there's so much other beauty in this world than what's going on right now. So it's very emotional. I love it. The performers are great, fantastic, amazing, the acrobatics and everything else. What I would say to other people is, if you haven't seen this, you have to come see it. I'll see it again.”

— David Eisenhuth, Business Owner (ntd.com)

What’s next

Shen Yun will perform in Phoenix, Arizona from March 5-8, 2026, providing more opportunities for audiences to experience the revival of traditional Chinese culture.

The takeaway

Shen Yun's captivating performance in Tucson has left a lasting impression on audience members, who describe the show as deeply moving and a powerful celebration of China's rich cultural heritage. The overwhelmingly positive response highlights the public's desire to connect with and preserve these traditions, which have been suppressed under communist rule.