DETROIT—Michigan State Representative Earl Poleski and his wife Candy thoroughly enjoyed the traditional Chinese culture presented by Shen Yun Performing Arts at the stately Detroit Opera House on the afternoon of Feb. 9.

“It was really different than anything else we’ve ever been to,” said Rep. Poleski.

He said the differences lay with both the live orchestra and the calibre and discipline of the dancers.

“The dancers were wonderful,” he said. “The skill level was magnificent, and I enjoyed the orchestra very much.”

New York-based Shen Yun is a leader in reviving the ancient art form of classical Chinese dance, which is known for its difficult spins and flips as well as its gentle elegance. The orchestra is the first of its kind to successfully combine Chinese and Western instruments, producing a fresh, rich sound.

“I enjoyed the different instruments, and the dancers were beautiful,” said Mrs. Poleski. “It was a great afternoon.”

“It’s unbelievable how coordinated they are, the costumes are magnificent, and the scenery changes are a lot of fun,” Rep. Poleski said.

The couple particularly enjoyed the operatic soloists, who sing in bel canto style with Chinese lyrics—something mastered by few in the world, according to the Shen Yun website.

“The soloists were wonderful, world-class in my estimation,” Rep. Poleski said. “The operatic style is of course consistence with being here at the Detroit Opera House. And we certainly enjoyed it very much. They were excellent.”

Shen Yun’s mission is to share with the world China’s 5,000-year-old divinely inspired culture and its virtues through dance, music, and song. Some of the pieces depict beloved stories and characters from the Middle Kingdom’s long history.

“The stories of Chinese culture are quite edifying to us. This is something that is quite new for U.S. audiences,” Rep. Poleski said.

“It is part of the reason for coming, to experience Chinese culture, and we enjoyed it very much.”

“It was really a great time,” he added. “We do enjoy the effort being made to bring Chinese culture to America.”

Reporting by NTD Television and Cat Rooney

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org

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.