MADISON, Wis.—On the warm spring night of April 10, a group of young dancers and gymnasts had the chance to see Shen Yun Performing Arts at Madison’s Overture Center for the Arts.

Five girls, a boy, and four moms came, representing different dance schools and from all over the Madison area. The enthusiastic girls felt amazed by the classical Chinese dance and music program, particularly the dance.

Shen Yun specializes in classical Chinese dance, which, alongside ballet, is one of the most rigorous and comprehensive dances systems in the world, Shen Yun’s website says.

Elise Wollfhin, who studies classical ballet at Madison Ballet, thought the performance was wonderful. In fact, she sounded a bit envious that classical Chinese dance combines the classical dance with technically demanding flips, leaps and spins. “They get to do all this cool, new, interesting stuff, spins and things that I never got to experience,” she said.

Her little sister Zoe, a gymnast and dancer, thought the performance was amazing. Fellow dancer and gymnast McKenzie Banker, used the adjective “awesome,” and liked the male dancers. Celilia, a gymnast, liked everything, while Ariel, both gymnast and dancer, liked the tumbling aspect of the dance.

Another feature of classical Chinese dance is its expressiveness. In fact, through this dance form, Shen Yun is able to tell of China’s legends and myths.

Mom Stephanie Wollfhin, a speech teacher, called the performance “visually stunning,” and noted the colors and costuming. She also singled out a particular dance that she enjoyed—about a boy who was born a meatball and had miraculous powers.

MacKenzie’s mom, Josie Banker, a lawyer, also attended the performance. “I think it’s very interesting and amazing—very talented dancers,” she said and then expressed her delight in having had the opportunity to see something like Shen Yun.

Reporting by Cat Rooney and Sharon Kilarski

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