RALEIGH, N.C.—Usually in the middle of winter, many residents in the Raleigh-Durham area in North Carolina are immersed in the achievements of their favorite college basketball teams. However, there is one staple cultural activity that has become an anticipated annual event–Shen Yun Performing Arts. When the first of two performances this week opens on Jan. 27, Shen Yun will have marked its eighth consecutive season performing in the Raleigh-Durham area.

Known for its high-tech industry and renowned universities, the Raleigh-Durham area is a fast growing metro region that is hungry for cultural performances. Shen Yun was enthusiastically received by local audiences in the 2007-2008 season, with its first performance introducing the area to authentic traditional Chinese culture live on stage.

Eight years later, the New York-based Shen Yun has become an international phenomenon. People in Raleigh-Durham are now well familiar with Shen Yun’s grand mission–to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture that was lost under communist rule, and to bring back this ancient culture to life on stage for audiences all over world to experience. Every year around this time, theatergoers in Raleigh-Durham are marking their calendars for Shen Yun’s annual performance.

Local area sponsors are also looking forward to Shen Yun arrival. For the 2015 season, a record number of local area media and businesses have sponsored or contributed to holding Shen Yun’s performance in Raleigh-Durham.

Amy Cheng, president of the nonprofit North Carolina Falun Dafa Association, the local organizer of the show, said that local area businesses are now closely familiar with Shen Yun and its annual performance in Raleigh-Durham.

“We have gotten sponsorships from the major local area media and also more businesses in our area have contributed their support to Shen Yun Performing Arts performing in Raleigh-Durham,” she said.

Feedback has even already appeared on the local Facebook page promoting Shen Yun.

“I went in 2013 and it was so beautiful it brought me to tears. I have tickets this year and can’t wait,” posted Linda G.

Tracy H. was more succinct: “I want to see this so bad.”

With its cornerstone of classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun brings to life the ancient myths and legends of China’s rich and glorious 5,000-year history. Performers don gorgeous handmade costumes, and beautiful animated backdrops transport audiences through China’s history, past and present. Shen Yun is also enriched by a unique live orchestra, producing melodious music that accompanies the dance performances. The orchestra combines Western classical instruments with ancient Chinese instruments, producing a unique sound. Audiences are immersed in a grand, colorful spectacle of dancing, music, and singing.

Shen Yun will be in Raleigh-Durham with two shows on Jan. 27 and 28 at the Duke Energy Center for The Performing Arts. For more information, visit ShenYun.com/Raleigh.

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform around the world. Shen Yun’s World Company will perform in the Greater Los Angeles Area through February 8. 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 reaction since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.