OMAHA, Neb.—“It’s very energetic, acrobatic, and also the deeper mission of the Chinese culture is coming through very well,” said Dr. Ken Merkel after seeing the evening performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Orpheum Theater, on March 8.

Dr. Merkel is an engineering professor at the University of Nebraska. He also happens to have a deep appreciation of Chinese Culture.

“I know that China has a long and beautiful culture. They have a tradition of invention, and they have a tradition of deep philosophical thought,” Dr. Merkel explained. “The show is a very beautiful show.”

Shen Yun’s mission is to revitalize traditional Chinese culture through the performing arts. While classical Chinese dance is at the core of its program, it also showcases elegant handmade costuming, digital interactive backdrops, and a full-orchestra featuring both Eastern and Western Instrumentation, as well as several vocal soloists.

Shen Yun’s program consists of 20 or so songs, dances and mini-dramas that depict scenes from China’s history, mythology, folklore, and literature. Bilingual English-Mandarin emcees offer a brief introduction before each piece.

Dr. Merkel said, “The narrators are doing a very good job of explaining things to us, and then the dancers and the performers are doing a very good job of interpreting the story that we were told we would see.”

“I think there is a deep respect for philosophy and also, I think there is a deep respect for freedom, for the freedom of the people,” the professor related. “And I am given that message very deeply from the dance and the performance.”

“I think it offers some insight into the richness of Chinese culture,” he added.

Reporting by Stacey Tang and Andrew Darin

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.