Shen Yun 2025
Wednesday, February 19
7:30pm
Overture Hall
$84 - $184
Run Time
2h 30min including a 15 minute intermission
Age Recommendation
4 and up
Sensory Elements
This event employs CGI special effects, atmospheric effects and sound effects.
This is a facility rental event presented by an independent organization separate from Overture Center for the Arts.
The Beauty of Divine Beings Dancing
The gong resounds, the curtain opens and a heavenly scene is right before your eyes. Fairies emerge from a sea of billowing clouds. Mongolians ride on horseback across grasslands as vast as the sky. Classic stories of love and loss, of humor and heroic deeds, come to life. You will be amazed by how vibrant, exciting and profound classical Chinese culture can be.
A Divine Culture—Lost
Through breathtaking dance and music, Shen Yun’s artists tell of a time when divine beings walked upon the earth, leaving behind a culture that inspired generations. Ancient Chinese wisdom, infused with Buddhist and Taoist spirituality and values, gave birth to everything from medical innovations to opera, dance, architecture and even martial arts. But after decades of communist rule, much of this divinely inspired culture has been destroyed or forgotten.
5,000 Years of Civilization Reborn
Shen Yun is a brilliant artistic revival and celebration of China’s rich cultural heritage. Each performance consists of about 20 pieces, quickly moving from one legend, region or dynasty to the next. Themes range from the delicate elegance of Tang court ladies to the battlefield heroics of valiant generals, from the timeless philosophical works of Lao-Tzu to spectacular scenes of magical realms. Some pieces also touch upon the topic of today’s China, shedding light on the oppression many experience for their spiritual beliefs, such as Falun Dafa. These tales of courage are often what audience members find the most touching and uplifting.
"Exquisitely beautiful. An extraordinary experience for us and the children."
Cate Blanchett, Academy Award-winning actress
"Really out of this world! There is no word to describe it... If I had to, the words might be ‘divine,’ ‘reborn’ and ‘hope’... You have to see it to believe it."
Christine Walevska, Master Cellist
"I just feel blessed. I come away with feeling like a better human being for having experienced this magnificent event. It speaks not only to my intellect but to my heart."
Omega Medina, former senior manager of Classical Awards for the Grammy Awards
Meet the Artists
Principal Dancer
Angelia Wang
“I hope I can always dance. I will dance however long I can.”
Angelia Wang won first place (junior female division) in New Tang Dynasty Television’s 2009 and 2010 International Classical Chinese Dance Competitions. She won first place (adult female division) in the same competition in 2012. She studied classical Chinese dance at Fei Tian Academy of the Arts and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Classical Chinese Dance from Fei Tian College in New York.
Principal Dancer
Melody Qin
“I feel that I learn more from teaching than what I teach to others.”
Melody Qin won first place in New Tang Dynasty Television’s 2012 International Classical Chinese Dance Competition (adult female division) and won third place in the competition’s junior division in 2010. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Classical Chinese Dance from Fei Tian College after studying classical Chinese dance at Fei Tian Academy of the Arts, both in New York.
Principal Dancer
Tiffany Lin
“The beauty is in the process. Even if you are talented, you have to practice diligently.”
Tiffany (Hsiao-Hung) Lin won first place in New Tang Dynasty Television’s 2014 Classical Chinese Dance Competition (adult female division), and first place in the same competition’s junior division in 2012. She studied classical Chinese dance at the New York-based Fei Tian Academy of the Arts and Fei Tian College.
Principal Dancer
Evangeline Zhu
“My greatest joy in life is to dance with my heart.”
Evangeline Zhu won first place in New Tang Dynasty Television’s 2016 International Classical Chinese Dance Competition (adult female division), after having won first place in the same competition’s junior female division in 2014. She studied dance at the New York-based Fei Tian Academy of the Arts and earned her bachelor’s degree in this field, graduating summa cum laude, from Fei Tian College, where she is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Classical Chinese Dance.
Principal Dancer
Michelle Lian
“They say one step at a time. I would say one dance step at a time.”
Michelle Lian won first place in the 2018 New Tang Dynasty Television International Classical Chinese Dance Competition (adult female division) after having previously won consecutive first place titles in the junior female division of the biennial competition in 2014 and 2016. She pursued advanced studies in classical Chinese dance at Fei Tian Academy of the Arts in New York, graduating with high honors.
Principal Dancer
Piotr Huang
“It’s not about yourself, but about others around you.”
Piotr Huang won first place in New Tang Dynasty Television’s 2014 International Classical Chinese Dance Competition (adult male division). He studied classical Chinese dance at the New York-based Fei Tian Academy of the Arts and holds a bachelor’s in this field from Fei Tian College, graduating summa cum laude. He is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Classical Chinese Dance from Fei Tian College.
Upcoming Dance Events
-
December 7
Sunday
Dance, Family Friendly, Kanopy Dance Winter Fantasia: Reimagined
Promenade Hall
Kanopy lights up the stage for the holidays with “Winter Fantasia: Reimagined,” a dazzling dance celebration showcasing a mosaic of cultural traditions.
Multiple Showtimes -
December 12 - December 21
Dance, Family Friendly, Madison Ballet The Nutcracker
Overture Hall
Madison Ballet's The Nutcracker brings Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score to life with stunning choreography, lavish costumes and a dazzling cast of dancers from our company, school and community, under the glorious Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra conducted by Maestro Andrew Sewell.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 4
Wednesday
2025/26 Season, Dance, Overture Presents Step Afrika!'s The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence
Overture Hall
Watch as the energy of percussive dance, African traditions and contemporary movement collide. With powerful rhythms, storytelling and audience participation, this celebration of African culture and artistry will leave your heart pounding.
7:00 PM -
February 13 - February 15
Dance, Family Friendly, Madison Ballet Pointes of View
Promenade Hall
From tutus to combat boots, each work in "Pointes of View" offers a bold reinterpretation of classical technique, pushing boundaries while honoring ballet’s rich traditions.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 26
Thursday
2025/26 Season, Dance, Overture Presents Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Overture Hall
From tutus to toe shoes, the all-male troupe transforms classical ballet into an outrageous, yet deeply skilled, spectacle. With impeccable technique, over-the-top personas and a touch of slapstick, the Trocks deliver a performance as breathtaking as it is hilarious.
7:30 PM -
March 14
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Kalaanjali Indian Dance Company
Rotunda Stage
Experience breathtaking stories of the East through the graceful postures, percussive feet, vibrant costumes and dynamic expressions of the Kalaanjali dancers.
Multiple Showtimes