RALEIGH, N.C.—Raymond Chevalier “Bucky” Waters was wowed by the matinee performance of Shen Yun at Duke Energy Center in Raleigh, N.C. on January 11. “I think it’s a great portal, a great vision of the culture of China,” Waters said.

“I was amazed the first time, and then they came back for a doubleheader,” he said. “It was both inspiring and touching.”

Walters was impress by the skill of the dancers. “As a former coach, the athleticism and artistry of the performance was just overwhelming,” he said.

According to the Shen Yun website Chinese dance is, “known for its incredible flips and spins, and its gentle elegance. It is one of the most rigorous and expressive art forms in the world.”

Shen Yun debuted in Raleigh January 10 and 11 to an enthusiastic crowd.

Started in 2006 by a group of leading classical Chinese artists, Shen Yun’s mission is to revive China’s ancient culture and share it with the world. Every year Shen Yun creates a new production showcasing China’s 5000 year history.

“I had been to China last summer on a tour with the Duke Basketball team, so I had a little feel for highlights like the Chinese wall and Beijing, but this was cultural, this was grassroots if you will. It was very impressive,” Mr. Waters said.

Once of dances in this years show, Buddha’s Compassion Shines Forth contrasts the oppression of life in modern China with the freedom experienced around the world.

“The world needs more of that. We’ve had enough bullying,” Mr. Waters said. “That was a great show, I can understand why it’s been so successful.”

Reporting by Thai Ton and Denise Darcell

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. 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.