WASHINGTON—Dr. Paul Rhodes, who specializes in geriatric medicine, had a wonderful evening watching the Shen Yun Performing Arts opening performance at the Kennedy Center Opera House on Jan. 21.

The snow blizzard didn’t keep Dr. Rhodes from attending.

After all, no one would want to miss Shen Yun after reading the performers’ website, “A Shen Yun performance features the world’s foremost classically trained dancers, a unique orchestra blending East and West, and dazzling animated backdrops—together creating one spectacular performance.”

“It was a beautiful performance. Lovely stories! One learned about the rich tradition of the Chinese people!” said Dr. Rhodes.

“I was impressed with the graceful movements of the dancers. And the folk traditions exemplified in these dances speak to all mankind.”

According to the Shen Yun website, “Tenors, sopranos and other award-winning vocalists perform piano-accompanied solos, along with a regular favorite—the stirring melodies of the two-stringed erhu, also known as the Chinese violin.”

Dr. Rhodes enjoyed the music he heard during the performance. It was something unique because the pieces were original compositions blending instruments and melodies from East and West.

However, he said what most amazed him was that “the religious traditions of all peoples were woven together throughout the show.”

His parting thoughts gave an overview of his impression of this evening’s show, “It’s spiritual, it’s artistic—it’s lovely.”

Reporting by Min Chang and Heide B. Malhotra

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.