BALTIMORE, Maryland —Shen Yun Performing Arts instilled a scholar with the wish to seek more knowledge after experiencing the performance at the Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric.

“I am a professor at Johns Hopkins University, in education. That’s why I’d like to know the history more,“ Steve Pape said. ”I feel that they give a nice understanding. It’s very enjoyable.”

Shen Yun’s mission is to revive authentic Chinese culture, and it’s productions “draw their inspiration from China’s 5,000 years of civilization,” according to the program.

Dr. Pape said, “It’s a very beautiful performance that we’re enjoying very much … I think that their narration is very helpful to understanding the stories that are being told.”

His response to the culture portrayed in Shen Yun was one of tranquility. He said, “I believe the dance and the scenes for the most part, except for the warring type ones when they are fighting, have a lot of serenity and peace to them. That’s how they make me feel.”

Shen Yun describes Chinese culture as “Values such as compassion and loyalty, kindness and bravery lie at the heart of traditional Chinese culture. We believe this rich heritage is a precious gift worth keeping, and worth sharing with all of you.”

The professor also noted the pure beauty of the dance and costumes. “Aesthetically, the costumes are just beautiful,“ he said. ”And the way the dancer uses the costume and accentuates the costume. Quite frequently, their movements make the costume move in a way that flows and almost tells a story.”

“The choreography is wonderful,” he said.

Reporting by Sherry Dong and Mary Silver

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.