NEW YORK—Yang Zi, a student from mainland China who is studying abroad in the U.S, was deeply moved by Shen Yun Performing Arts at Lincoln Center on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

“It demonstrates China’s distinct passion for heroism,” she said. “As a Chinese person watching this, I feel nostalgic.”

Shen Yun is a New York-based classical Chinese dance and performing arts company, founded by leading Chinese artists in 2006. Its mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture, something that never quite recovered after the Chinese cultural revolution.

Shen Yun is not permitted to perform in China or Hong Kong.

“I would tell my Chinese friends to see Shen Yun if they want to see Chinese traditions,” she said.

Ms. Yang arrived in the United States six months ago. She is currently studying graphic design.

“The colors that Shen Yun use are very rich...it represents the grand expressions that Chinese people like to portray,” she said. “The colors are classic, it’s very Chinese.”

“I was surprised at just how many stories Shen Yun was able to portray,” she added. “Especially the detail with the dragon [on the screen].”

Each dance is accompanied by an interactive, state-of-the-art digital backdrop.

Ms. Yang singled out the performance number Ne Zha Churns the Sea, a classical Chinese tale of a demi-god who defeats the Dragon King.

“The dance and story was simple, which I liked,” she said. “The story is very vivid ... and I think the stories were told in a way that made it easy for Westerners to understand too. The performers are able to communicate with the audience very well.

“It’s awe inspiring,” she said.

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.