“I feel grateful that these ancient dances are being brought to people. I think it’s very beautiful that a lost culture of Chinese is being revived.”

“I felt that [Shen Yun’s mission] is much needed right now. I feel like it’s a movement to awaken people to the true heritage of China.”

“[The tenor] was amazing. He gave me chills through my whole body. And I could tell the erhu—it was healing music. It was very healing. I feel a lot of energy from the music because I write songs and sing.”

“[I felt] joyful, but at the same time nostalgic, like something that was lost being remembered [while listening to the music].”

“The dancers, they did the stories [through their story dances]. They didn’t have to sing—they were the story.”

“I think the energy is an inspiration that comes from the divine and the Earth together. The beauty of the Earth and the beauty of being a human being and having that dignity. ... Then the power, the higher power, they [Shen Yun] very much brought in the higher power.”

“I think [Shen Yun tells] the truth, that there are human rights violations happening in China for people who want to follow a meditation, a religion, a certain way to worship God.”