OMAHA, Neb.—Dave and Debra Larsen witnessed 5,000 years of divinely inspired civilization unfold through traditional Chinese and ethnic dance and music at its best. “It’s fabulous, absolutely breathtaking, having a wonderful time,” said Mr. Larsen at intermission. “The costumes, and of course the choreography, are fabulous.”

“Absolutely delightful performance,” said Mrs. Larsen. “I would recommend to anybody who can see it—absolutely do so.”

The Omaha couple was referring to Shen Yun Performing Arts evening performance on Jan. 13 at Omaha’s historic and elegant Orpheum Theater.

“Chinese dance is at the heart of what Shen Yun does. Known for its incredible flips and spins, and its gentle elegance, it is one of the most rigorous and expressive art forms in the world,” states the Shen Yun website.

A ballerina for 20 years, Mrs. Larsen described in detail what she saw on stage. She said the mix of athleticism and fluid dance as really bringing “an essence to the stage. To see all the tumbling also, with all the elegance and grace within the dancers is absolutely terrific.”

Shen Yun tours the world each season showcasing authentic traditional Chinese culture, which was almost completely destroyed under communist rule, particularly during the Cultural Revolution, as Shen Yun’s website states.

Yet based in New York, Shen Yun has the freedom to express traditional culture to its fullest through the performing arts.

“I was surprised to find that they are from New York,” said Mr. Larsen, who is in operations with Cargill. “It makes me feel wonderful that we have such a dance company here in our country like this, and they can speak out as they wish, too, about the regime in China, and the freedom that they are given here.”

Mrs. Larsen said, “I think it is absolutely necessary to bring it to the United States. …I truly believe that China will indeed change their ways and see that it is very, very important that what [Shen Yun is] doing is necessary to improve.”

Mr. Larsen agreed, pleased to be able to see traditional Chinese culture. “It is part of their heritage and traditions and such, and now in this country they are allowed to freely express that. It’s a wonderful thing.”

He would recommend Shen Yun to co-workers, family, and friends. He noted that “unfortunately there is only one more night, so maybe next year.”

His wife affirmed his opinion and gave her own recommendation: “Anybody and everybody who is willing to take the time out to enjoy arts [should come]. I think it is not only educational, but beautiful on the eye.”

“I’m glad they are here, and I wish them to come back again,” said Mr. Larsen.

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.