TEMPE, Ariz.–Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company lit up the stage at the ASU Gammage Theater on Saturday, March 8, and former mayor of Gilbert, AZ, Steve Berman and his wife Susan Berman, president and CEO of Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, enjoyed the experience.

“It’s incredible,” said Mr. Berman.

His wife agreed. “It’s a wonderful show,” she said. “And it’s a wonderful culture.”

Shen Yun was founded in 2006 with the goal “to revive the true, divinely inspired culture of China and share it with the world,” according to the New York-based company’s website.

Each season Shen Yun creates an entirely new show and travels around the world, “performing in some 20 countries and 100 cities,” says the website.

“I think the costumes and the precision of the movements are just beautiful,” said Mrs. Berman.

Shen Yun’s focus is classical Chinese dance, but a performance includes many other elements such as a live, full orchestra with both Eastern and Western instruments, vocal and instrumental soloists, intricate costumes, and a digital backdrop to complement the dances.

Mr. Berman commented on the unique backdrops. “I’m particularly impressed with the combination of animation with the real life,” he said. “That’s pretty exciting.”

The divinely-inspired Chinese culture that was shared through Shen Yun was particularly special for Mrs. Berman.

“It’s just magnificent,” she said. “I love seeing the culture-what is important to the Chinese people-that’s coming through their dance and the story-telling that they weave throughout their dance … the human condition of knowing they come from someplace else and love, tolerance—the beauty of the dance itself. The strength of it is wonderful.”

Mrs. Berman said she would absolutely recommend Shen Yun to others.

“It’s a wonderful night, beautiful evening, as far as spending the time doing something like this,” she said.

Reporting by Albert Roman and Sarah Le

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.