PORTLAND, Ore.—The Keller Auditorium in Portland played host to Shen Yun Performing Arts on Jan. 18.

In the audience was Marla Kent, a supervisor in the State Courts of Oregon, and Marvin Garland, a retired attorney.

“It was very interesting,” Mr. Garland said. “I have never seen anything like that. It was very interesting and educational.”

“Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture,” reads Shen Yun’s website. “Its stunning beauty and tremendous energy leave audiences uplifted and inspired.”

Ms. Kent was touched by Shen Yun’s depiction of classical Chinese dance. “Very elegant, just beautiful,” she said. “Well, the synchronized dancing, I think, is what impressed me the most.”

Mr. Garland agreed.

Classical Chinese dance is one of the most expressive art forms in the world. It was constantly refined over thousands of years, eventually developing into the vast and distinctly Chinese dance form known today.

“I was interested and intrigued by the animation that went on behind [the dancers]. It was very, very fun,” added Mr. Garland. He noted that trying to find the words to interpret the interplay of dance amid digital backdrop was an impossible endeavor.

“I just—I can’t describe it,” he said.

Beyond All Expectations

Also in the audience were Saen Hanlon and Sophia Runyard.

“I really enjoyed it,” said Mr. Hanlon.

“It was entirely different that what I expected it was going to be, and I just thought it was beautiful,” said Ms. Runyard. “And I think it’s something we should be aware of in China: that a lot of their freedoms are not what they should be.”

Shen Yun is on a mission to revive the thousands of years of history that was nearly lost at the hands of the ruling communist regime in China. “Humanity’s treasure was nearly lost, but through breathtaking music and dance, Shen Yun is bringing back this glorious culture,” reads Shen Yun’s website.

“It was such a very beautiful experience, and the combination of music, and culture, and everything about it was just fantastic,” added Ms. Runyard. “I mean, it was very serene, very calming; I really liked it.”

“I can’t believe the musicianship, the choreography, and all of the intellectual music and dance was right there,” she said.

“It was beautiful.”

Reporting by Chen Si and Michael Fitzgerald

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.