LANSING, Mich.—“The music is fantastic. I am watching the orchestra as much as I am watching [the dancers],” said Bill Humphrey, commenting on Shen Yun’s orchestra, a unique blend of traditional Western and Eastern instruments.

The senior research administrator at MSU attended Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company’s Feb. 12th performance at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts.

“Throughout history almost every culture looked toward the divine for inspiration. Art was meant to uplift, bringing joy to both the people who created and experienced it. It is this principle that drives Shen Yun performers and their art,” according to the company’s website.

“Oh, it’s beautiful!” said Mr. Humphrey’s daughter Elana. “I actually cried because it was so beautiful. I cried of happiness and joy! I don’t know, it was so beautiful, it moved me so, emotionally. I cried in a very good way.”

Ms. Humphrey explained that she was deeply moved by the performance, Sleeves of Grace, “Very much so, I’ve never seen dance like this before and I love it.”

She and her father said they were both moved by the performances that touched upon the repression of spirituality in modern day China—specifically against the meditation practice, Falun Dafa.

Ms. Humphrey said, “They were talking about the oppression in China...and the song seemed like liberation and freedom and peace. So I thought it was very beautiful and very fitting for the show.”

Shen Yun is a New York-based dance and music company that endeavors to revitalize China’s 5,000 year old traditional culture, which was nearly lost.

Ms. Humphrey said she found Shen Yun, “Beautiful, definitely, and enlightening.”

Mr. Humphrey praised the performances and called them, “Very elegant and disciplined.”

Shen Yun is ‘Inspiring’

“It’s beautiful. It’s inspiring. It’s energizing!” said Susan Fancy. The manager for Programs and Development at University of Michigan’s Energy Institute joined the enthusiastic audience welcoming Shen Yun to Lansing on Feb. 12.

Referring to the performances that touch upon the repression, she said, “It’s also sobering, what someone that is interested in meditation in China might be facing.”

“I didn’t know about that, she added, ”We are in our country and we are used to getting to do what we want. So, I’m glad they are sharing about that.”

She said she would tell her colleagues, “To come see it.”

Reporting by Michael Huang and Jeanmarie Lunsford

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.

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