PHOENIX—Throughout time, artists have sought inspiration from the divine in order to imbue their work with the most moving feelings and sublime beauty possible.

“Phenomenal. Phenomenal,” was his response to his Shen Yun experience as a whole. “I personally practice Tai-Chi most of my life and Taekwondo. All of the moves are in the dance. But I’ve also studied dance. There [in Shen Yun] is an amazing performance of [dance], gymnastics, and martial arts. It’s all blended as dance. This is my second time. This is the best so far I’ve seen,” he said.

A little-known fact is that classical Chinese dance is actually the historical precursor to gymnastics and is where many of gymnastics’ tumbling techniques originate from.

“Falun Dafa is all about spreading good in our world. Unfortunately, they’ve been persecuted in China—and most people don’t know that—for their organs because followers of Falun Dafa are very healthy people.”

“I am in sales, but my volunteer work is in interfaith. I have been in the board of directors for Arizona Interfaith as a vice president. We represent 26 faith groups. One of our faith groups is Falun Dafa, so I am very familiar with Falun Dafa,” Casey added.

Casey could not pick just one aspect of Shen Yun that he enjoyed the most.

“I can’t say one specific part. I mean the costuming is incredible. And the way they used props, just all the props, long sleeves, and how they worked that into the dance performance and choreography. It’s just beauty. It’s colorful. It’s invigorating. It’s inspiring. It just makes you feel good,” he said.

“It’s wonderful because you can see the story within the dance,” he added.

Finally, Casey’s interfaith leadership background allowed him to appreciate the effect Shen Yun is having on a broader scale. “I think it’s wonderful what this organization or this dance troupe is doing. Because not only are they entertaining, but they are educating as well.”

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