CHICAGO—The first show of Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company at the Civic Opera House on Saturday, April 5, ended with thunderous applause. At this performance Gary Wilson, a financial planner, and wife Anne Wilson were in attendance. 

Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company. 

“We are enjoying it,” commented Mrs. Wilson. “Beautiful dance!”

“We are new to it, so it is a new experience for us,” he added.

Whether you are new to Shen Yun, or a returning visitor, Shen Yun offers a completely new show each year.

The heart of Shen Yun is classical Chinese dance. “An art form tempered over thousands of years. Classical Chinese dance has helped preserve 5,000 years of Chinese culture. Built on traditional aesthetics, it was once passed down among the people, in imperial courts, and through ancient plays,” states the company’s website.

“And learning of the performing arts and the history of the dance, we found it educational and very moving,” continued Mr. Wilson.

The history portrayed by Shen Yun reflects stories and folk tales from ancient China to today, encompassing 5000 years of Chinese civilization. 

“I think the history is interesting as well as the dance,” added Mrs. Wilson. 

Many who come to see Shen Yun often return the next year with loved ones. But, for those who don’t know too much about Chinese culture, Shen Yun to a great way to learn about the traditions and heritage of China. 

It is a way to gain culture for “yourself into the past and educate yourself to the future,” offered Mr. Wilson. “It is a wonderful experience, too! The costumes and the movement of the dancers, it’s just beautiful, indescribable really.”

With reporting by Catherine Wen and Paul Darin

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.