DETROIT—For Bill and Caroline Waggoner it was their first time to experience Shen Yun Performing Arts and the depiction of true traditional Chinese culture. They found it to be uplifting, lovely, entertaining and much more.

Shen Yun’s aim is to revitalize ancient Chinese culture through the performing arts—a culture almost completely destroyed by Communist rule. They do so with story-based classical Chinese dance, folk and ethnic dances, orchestral music, vocal soloists, amazing costumes, and animated backdrops.

“It was beautiful” said Mrs. Waggoner, a floral designer, after the first half of the performance. “They’re all so talented.”

“It was beautiful … very good, very entertaining,” said Mr. Waggoner, an independent financial adviser and professor of economics.

The 20 mini-dance performances are accompanied by Shen Yun Performing Arts Orchestra. It is known for combining the unique sounds of the East and West together like no other orchestra.

“The music was very lovely—loved it, seriously,” Ms. Waggoner explained “Very uplifting. It is happy music … It was very lovely!”

“Reviving 5,000 years of civilization through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture. Its stunning beauty and tremendous energy leave audiences uplifted and inspired.” Yet this artistic expression can only be seen outside of China. Shen Yun is based in America and has the freedom to depict the true culture, a spiritual culture.

Mr. Waggoner was sad to learn that some people of faith in China are not allowed to express their views as people in America can.

“I think no matter what religion you believe in, everybody believes in the same thing. So to me, what was up there [on stage] is the same thing I believe in, just in a different way.”

With reporting  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.