“I really loved the stories. I enjoyed the introduction of that,” said Ms. Poli. She elaborated that she found one particular dance to be quite humorous.

“I really liked the magician [Monk Ji Gong]with the fan. He was really funny,” she said.

“I think it’s really interesting to learn about ancient cultures and how people have worshiped. And I got a little teary in some of the parts because I don’t like to see people suffering,” shared Ms. Poli.

Ms. Poli expressed that she was “glad that people have an opportunity to share” and raise awareness of the crimes going on in China today.

Despite the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong in China, people in China and around the world have become more and more aware of the truth behind the persecution. Shen Yun is also a part of the effort to make more people aware.

“It’s important to connect to your inner wisdom. And that if there are people around you or forces around you that are trying to keep you down, you can always turn within yourself to find that hidden wisdom. So that’s what my takeaway was today,” shared Ms. Poli.

“I just loved the idea of the first healing medicine [being] music. I did not know that, and I love that concept,” said Ms. Poli.

“That was really interesting,” said Ms. Poli regarding the backdrop. “I’ve never seen anything like that and I think it’s a really innovative way to incorporate the mysticism of the flying and the divine coming down from the sky.”

“My daughter’s teacher actually recommended that we come here today, and so when my mom wanted to see this performance, it was kind of cool we got to bridge those two interests.