ORLANDO, Fla.— Elaine Garavelo has been a ballet teacher for more than 20 years. She and her two daughters, Geovanna and Gabriella Bortoleto—also dancers—attended New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts’ 2014 opening night performance at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in Orlando.

Ms. Garavelo described the performance as controlled, beautiful, and gorgeous.

Perhaps Ms. Garavelo’s professional background offered her added appreciation of classical Chinese dance, an art form thousands of years old.

“Chinese dance is at the heart of what Shen Yun does,” says the Shen Yun website. “Known for its incredible flips and spins, and its gentle elegance, it is one of the most rigorous and expressive art forms in the world.”

After watching the Shen Yun Performing Arts World Company on stage, Ms. Garavelo said she could not find words to express how amazing it was. “Everything is perfect,” she said.

Her daughter Geovanna has been dancing for seven years, and Gabriella, the youngest, has been dancing for six years. Both learned from their mother. Geovanna said, “It’s just great, the whole thing.” “It’s an amazing experience,” Gabriella said.

Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of divine culture, which is based on the idea of harmony between heaven and earth. Before Shen Yun’s founding in 2006, these beliefs and ancient treasures were on the brink of extinction under of communist rule.

According to traditional Chinese culture, dance, music, calligraphy, medicine, and many other attributes are said to have been passed down from the heavens.

Ms. Garavelo said Shen Yun’s spiritual message was touching and very deep. “They portray the spirituality very well,” Geovanna added.

Reporting by NTD Television and Adam Miller

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.