PITTSBURGH— To the delight of Google software engineer, Brian Makin, Shen Yun Performing Arts graced the stage at The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts again on Feb.19.

“I liked it quite a bit … I am very glad that it comes to Pittsburgh,” he said after seeing the show for the second time.

“I don’t know a whole lot about the arts, but I love to learn.” 

“Sophisticated dance techniques, an orchestra joining instruments from both the East and West, beautiful costumes, and a stunning back drop—this is Shen Yun at first glance,” explains the Shen Yun website.

“But digging deeper, one discovers a sea of traditional Chinese culture. Mortals and divine beings merge on stage as one. Principles such as benevolence and justice, propriety and wisdom, respect for the heavens, and divine retribution, all come to life, washing over the audience.” 

“I appreciate the dancing, the music—and the talent,” he added. “I did a lot of martial arts, so I can appreciate the athleticism … the difficulty. Something I cannot do.”

“Martial arts and classical Chinese dance have a shared root,” explains Shen Yun’s website. “Built on traditional aesthetics, it was once passed down among the people in imperial courts, and through ancient plays. It has its own set of training methods, skills and specific postures, making it a vast and independent system of dance.”

‘Soprano has a big voice for someone so little’

Mother and daughter, business owners Lynne and Janne Stewart, were also at the evening performance. 

“It’s gorgeous, the dancers are amazing, and I am also learning a lot,” said Janne Stewart.

“Classical Chinese dance is built on the fundamentals of bearing, form, and technical skill, including many difficult aerial techniques, but being richly expressive at the same time,” according to the website. 

“The dancers are very talented, [perfectly] synchronized and it’s very colorful. I love the flowers and the costumes with the long sleeves. It makes it more … it really pops!”

“It’s really nice, something new and interesting. I liked the singing,” said her mother Lynne, who was seeing Shen Yun for the first time.

Ms. Stewart agreed with her mother. She loved the soprano.

“For someone so little, she has such a big voice.” 

Reporting by Frank Liang, Geng Jie, and Raiatea Tahana-Reese

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.