MONTRÉAL, Canada—“From the highest heavens, a majestic civilization arrived. Its splendour, once lost... Now the divine culture returns.” This is how the trailer for Shen Yun’s 2014 tour describes a show that since 2006 has been wowing millions around the world with its engaging portrayal of China’s 5,000-year culture. 

“I am very excited to see a show that presents traditional Chinese culture abroad,” said Aiqi Li, a Chinese artist who attended the show in Montreal on Tuesday night. 

“During the show, I found that even the Westerners were astonished by the show, so I feel very proud.”

Specializing in oil painting, Ms. Li especially liked the visual aspect of the show, “The colours go very well. They used many traditional colours and designs. The costumes are also very beautiful. The whole effect ... everything was very good.”

Ms. Li said she has wanted to see Shen Yun since she arrived in Montreal two years ago, but it was not until tonight she could fulfill her wish.

One piece particularly touched her heart. Ne Zha Churns the Sea is story a from Chinese mythology about demi-god Ne Zha, who defeats the evil Dragon King beneath the sea who had been terrorizing the residents of a seaside village. 

“The performance that tells the story of Ne Zha—this is a story we know from childhood, but when seen abroad it gives a different feeling,” she said.

Telling such a story through dance is no easy feat, but Shen Yun accomplished it with the help of its signature animated backdrops which, using split-second timing, help give context to the story-based pieces.

With reporting by NTD Television

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. Shen Yun’s World Company will perform in Montreal until Jan. 9 before going on to Hamilton. For more information, visit Shen Yun Performing Arts

The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.