AUSTIN, Texas—Jeffrey Lorien, founder of Zhi Tea, was drawn to Shen Yun Performing Arts by his fascination with China. Seeing the performance at The Long Center for the Performing Arts, Mr. Lorien was happy to learn about the spiritual history of China.

“I feel like a lot has been lost that can be recovered,” Mr. Lorien said in Austin on Dec. 27.

New York-based Shen Yun revives the 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture, a history not seen in China today.

“China is probably one of the most spiritually and culturally advanced civilizations,” Mr. Lorien said.

“I think it’s beautiful,” he added, saying that the music, dance, and costuming were beautiful, and that there was a story beneath it all.

For Mr. Lorien, the traditional values came through the art forms such as classical Chinese dance. He said he hoped that, in time, Shen Yun could help bring back “this grand beauty, these grand traditions.”

“Hopefully the flame is still alive that can be nurtured and grown over time,” Mr. Lorien said.

“A sense of connection, a sense of hope and beauty, and peace and compassion can only help the world,” he said.

Reporting by Lily Setoh and Catherine Yang

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.