The curtain rises on the 2023 season not in a singular location, but as a synchronized movement across three continents. As the calendar year draws to a close, a new artistic cycle begins almost simultaneously in Atlanta on December 24, Hachioji on December 26, and Berlin on December 28. It is a global opening that suggests the universality of the language of dance and music, transcending time zones and cultural boundaries to establish a shared aesthetic moment.
The transition from the previous season-an extended 2021-2022 tour-into this new chapter has been characterized by a seamless continuity of craft. The traditional lull of the summer and autumn months was transformed into a period of intense incubation. This interstitial time, usually reserved for rest, was instead filled with the rigorous demands of artistic refinement. The months were occupied by concerto recordings and the production of an original opera, The Stratagem, indicating that for these artists, creation is a perpetual state rather than a seasonal occurrence.
Behind the scenes, the preparation for the 2023 production has involved a deep engagement with the visual and auditory textures of the East. Composers, choreographers, and costume designers have collaborated to construct a repertoire that acts as a vessel for five millennia of civilization. The new program is designed to unearth specific historical figures and revisit ancient legends, translating the static weight of history into fluid motion. It is an endeavor to preserve the intangible heritage of a culture through the tangible immediacy of performance.
For those interested in the anatomy of this art form, the process has been documented and made accessible. The digital platform, Shen Yun Zuo Pin, offers a view into the daily discipline of the dancers and the symphonic complexities of the orchestra. It strips away the theatrical illusion to reveal the foundational training and the classical concertos that underpin the stage spectacle.
Geographically, the upcoming tour represents a widening of the company’s footprint. The itinerary reflects a deepened engagement with Europe and Asia, with an expanded presence in Spain and a substantial tour through ten cities in Japan. France remains a central hub, with the company scheduled to weave in and out of the country multiple times.
The season also marks significant returns and new departures. After a hiatus, the tour returns to New Zealand, re-establishing a connection with audiences there. Furthermore, the schedule includes second-time visits to Israel and Brazil, suggesting a growing familiarity in these regions. Most notably, the company will make its debut in the Dominican Republic, introducing this classical tradition to a new landscape and marking a fresh intersection of cultures.
