NEW ORLEANS—Modern dancer Kirk Gagnon enjoys watching live dance performances. For him, they are a chance to be inspired. 

He said he loved being exposed to the classical Chinese dance of Shen Yun Performing Arts. 

“It has been spectacular, it’s really excellent to see this in live performance,” Mr. Gagnon said. He saw Shen Yun perform at the Saenger Theatre on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

“It is absolutely fabulous,” Mr. Gagnon said of Shen Yun. He particularly noticed the skill and precision of the female dancers calling them exquisite and spot on. He also said it was cool to see male dancers perform with fans “in such a masculine way.”

Shen Yun performs classical Chinese and ethnic dance. According to its website, it’s mission is to revive the 5,000 years of China’s divinely-inspired civilization.

Shen Yun dance performances are accompanied by an orchestra. That orchestra also incorporates several Chinese instruments. Mr. Gagnon said he found the music well-paired with the dance and that its unique Chinese character fit well with the movement and choreography.

Many of Shen Yun’s programs tell stories through the dance. The stories tell of historical heroes and other characters from literature and history. Some also tell stories of contemporary China.

Shen Yun’s signature dance are large scale synchronized dances. Mr. Gagnon remarked that he particularly enjoyed such pieces.

“I love large group numbers, everything that works with big groups that can make all these different formations and patterns. That’s always such  an inspiration to me,” Mr Gagnon said.

With reporting by NTD Television and Nicholas Zifcak

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.