BALTIMORE—Olga Sokolova, Ph.D., an interior designer for Mandodari International LLC, was in the audience at the Shen Yun Performing Arts opening night at Baltimore’s Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric on Jan. 18.

Dr. Sokolova, who is from Saint Petersburg, Russia, said that the Shen Yun show is “a wonderful performance because it brings back the antiquity from the past and keeps spirituality and beauty alive.”

“I think the spirituality aspect of this show attracts me the most,” she said, “so I think it’s wonderful that people can experience it.”

According to Shen Yun’s website, “Shen Yun Performing Arts’ dance style is built upon classical Chinese dance as a foundation, while also maintaining a number of ethnic and folk dances. This combination embodies Chinese people’s aestheticism and ethnic character.”

“I think it’s a wonderful performance.” Dr. Sokolova said, amazed at what she had seen. “It makes me glad that this incredible ancient Chinese culture has come to people worldwide.”

In Dr. Sokolova’s mind, Shen Yun brings back a history that modern humankind has lost.

“I’m glad that [Shen Yun] is bringing the past back to us, waking up our ancient knowledge about our own selves and our inner beauty,” she said. “We’re spiritual beings—we are not machines. So I’m very thankful. Thank you for doing that.”

Reporting by Min Chang and Heide B. Malhotra.

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.