“It’s beautiful,” said Mrs. Pace, who was attending the performance at the Marcus Performing Arts Center with her husband Jeff Pace.

Jeff Pace, the owner of a business that sells architectural building products, agreed with his wife.

Jeff gave his view on what is happening in China today.

“I think the traditions are still there—I think they are suppressed right now. I think [Shen Yun] lets everybody know how it used to be and how beautiful the country really is,” he said.

We also believe in a higher being, Jeff said. He said he believes that different cultures present different interpretations.

“I think [Shen Yun] is a beautiful representation of that [higher being],” he said.

Many audience members have said they appreciate Shen Yun’s message of hope to humanity. Mrs. Pace strongly agreed.

She felt that Shen Yun showed that despite mankind’s suffering, God was able to bring about a greater good.

“If you don’t have a belief that there is something after this life, you lose your morals. You lose your caring for other people, you lose your caring for yourself. You take things for granted. Your appreciation for things is non-existent.”

“I think people can become reckless in their decisions, thinking that there is no ownership to [their] actions. And to know that you are not alone, that God does not abandon you—he brings about a greater good,” Mrs. Pace said.

“I loved [Shen Yun] very much. I think it was an interesting cultural experience. I loved the costumes, the colors, the music,” said Heijkoot, who is an accountant.

“The colors and the vibrancy of the whole show and just the different stories … I think it is very interesting blending the past with some of the modern [day events].”