CHICAGO—Shen Yun hosts its performing arts to people of all ages and backgrounds. Among those in attendance on Friday night’s performance at the Civic Opera House included Chicago native, Dr. Nicholas Mataragas, a spinal surgeon, and Ms. Christina Lopez, an aspiring fitness model.

“I really like it a lot,” said Dr. Mataragas. “It’s quite impressive actually.”

Shen Yun represents 5,000 years of Chinese civilization. For just about any person enjoying Shen Yun, there is always something new to learn.

“I think the coordination [and] the costumes are amazing. They’re breathtaking,” added Dr. Mataragas, who is a pioneer in using minimally invasive anterior lumbar fusion techniques.

Shen Yun, depicts a great many aspects of Chinese culture, including a deep sense of spirituality and heritage. The program uses very intricate costumes, and dance, operatic style singing, and modern technical components, like the digital backdrop, to convey that message.

“Frankly, I’m just kind of taken by the costumes and the dance, personally,” added Dr. Mataragas.

Shen Yun performers are considered to be some of the best traditional Chinese dancers and performers in the world.

Each of the song and dance performances are introduced in both English and Chinese by two bi-lingual emcees.

“I like that it helps guide people through what’s going on,” commented Ms. Lopez. “The thousands of years of history, would be hard, otherwise, to follow along. So, as far as the dancing and choreography goes, everything is beautiful. Beautifully done, and the costumes are gorgeous, very visually stimulating and easy to follow.”

Shen Yun’s music is considered to be top of its class. The instruments used include both Western and Chinese instruments for a unique sound.

“I think the music is a good support for the show,” added Dr. Mataragas. “I think that it’s the visual presentation is what’s so empowering.”

Reporting by Michelle Chen and Paul Darin

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