ST. LOUIS—“Shen Yun is just such a dynamic show,” said musician Bonny Shirk, “there’s so much variety in it … it’s beautiful!”

“I have never seen this type of show before,” said Mr. Shirk, “I truly enjoyed it!”

“Watching the dancers … and how they move in sync with the orchestra … is just amazing!”

“I think it’s wonderful [and] so important to preserve traditional, cultural art,” she added.

Mrs. Shirk graduated from the University of Michigan with a major in violin and a minor in piano.

“I’ve never heard Eastern and Western instruments blended together … so, that’s really fascinating,” she said.

“There’s a lot of things I’ve never seen before and I was just amazed at how they did it,” he said. “So, I truly enjoyed the show.”

Since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006, it has presented traditional Chinese culture—an ancient culture that predates communism—on the world’s finest stages. Although Shen Yun would love to perform in China, the Chinese Communist Party will not allow it.

Mrs. Shirk feels it is very important for people understand that China once had a “very beautiful, rich heritage and culture” and believes that Chinese people and culture should not be judged solely upon what is displayed in the news today.

“I think understanding your roots and preserving them is so important, and one of the best ways to do that is through our art.”