

VALENCIA, Spain—On March 9, business proprietors Juan Pablo Bueno Bendicho and Ekaterina Panyukova attended a deeply stirring performance by Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Queen Sofía Opera House. Overpowered by the awe-inspiring blend of cultural richness, both were reduced to tears. Mr. Bueno Bendicho, a fitness center owner, professed a long-standing admiration for Eastern culture, while Ms. Panyukova, a real estate manager, was profoundly touched by the event's artistry and emotion. Having traveled from Alicante just for the show, they embraced the mesmerizing display of traditional Chinese culture, struck by the choreography, music, and vibrant costumes. Mr. Bueno Bendicho regarded the event as the most impressive of its kind, sharing, "I was covered in goosebumps the whole time." Ms. Panyukova found herself weeping throughout, calling the experience "spectacular." Both expressed appreciation for Shen Yun's masterful storytelling, which connects modern audiences to historic Chinese traditions with stories of mythological figures and virtues like kindness and truthfulness. Specific tales, like that of the legendary Monkey King, captivated Mr. Bueno Bendicho's imagination, while Ms. Panyukova praised the virtuosity of the accompanist soprano. Illustrating the need for more exposure to Chinese culture, the couple emphasized the importance of such performances. They believe Shen Yun, which aspires to present 5,000 years of pre-communist China's heritage, offers a valuable lesson in humanity, encouraging audiences to connect with universal themes presented through art. The enchanting experience left them enthusiastic advocates for the show, commending it as a must-see for diverse audiences worldwide. Ms. Panyukova, in particular, felt an unanticipated connection, expressing, "The energy felt was illuminating, opening both mind and heart." The revelation of cultural richness and opportunity for learning during the performance left lasting impacts, inspiring them to embrace cultural exploration and share Shen Yun's beauty and emotion with others.