What’s the Inspiration Behind Shen Yun Costumes?

The wardrobe department at Shen Yun headquarters produces thousands of costumes, headpieces, shoes, boots, and other accessories every season. Traditional Chinese clothing is said to be inspired by the attire worn in the heavens. Shen Yun’s dance costumes are mostly based on the traditional Han clothing from China’s many dynasties, the unique attire of over 50 ethnic minority groups that live in China, and the regalia of divinities from folklore and mythology.

In the creation process, Shen Yun costume artists collect and reference countless designs of traditional apparel. From the ethereal garb of heavenly maidens to the emperor’s dragon robes to fur-trimmed chubas to dainty flowerpot shoes, every piece­­—handmade and individually tailored—is an authentic representation of attire from Chinese history. This, along with a consummate stage effect, is our goal.