“I think that technological advances has its benefits where we are able to connect with others. But we also have to be able to connect with nature and with history, and with our inner divinity, our inner selves to see how special we are and how easily we can lose that if we continue down the path we’re going,” said Grizelle Larriviel, a teacher and doctoral student.

Although Shen Yun is dedicated to sharing traditional Chinese culture with the world, it is not based in China.

Shen Yun uses dance and music to spread the beauty of China’s 5,000 years. The goal is to present a China before communism.

“I learned that the culture is so rich. We’re talking about 5,000 years—there’s 5,000 years. The costumes, the dancing, the message, it really touched me a lot,” shared Mr. Neira.

“I’m Cuban-American, so I am familiar with communism and I think I totally understand. The persecution, I completely understand, since my family left because of the persecution in Cuba. So I completely appreciate what they’re trying to do,” she said.

Seeing Shen Yun was a gift from Mr. Neira to Ms. Larriviel.

“This is the first time that I had the opportunity to see this show. I believe it is very fantastic. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to get a couple of tickets and invite my friend for her birthday,” said Mr. Neira.

Ms. Larriviel said, “This is my second time seeing it. I believe that part of what the Western culture needs is a little bit more of remembering what the Eastern culture has that is so special, that we are losing in the Western hemisphere.”

“[I enjoyed Shen Yun] going back to that, how divine we are, and being able to represent it in a beautiful storytelling event and just the energy it brings. So I’m very grateful to have been a participant today,” she said.