PHOENIX, Ariz.—Steve Kates has been watching the heavens since the age of seven, starting with a ten dollar telescope that was a gift from family members.
Nowadays, he’s known as “Dr. Sky,” a television and radio host on the topics of science and technology, but also freedom and human rights.
On Thursday at the Orpheum Theatre, he attended Shen Yun Performing Arts, and said it was “the most heavenly experience that I’ve seen in a long time.”
“We don’t know what’s out in the deep universe,” said Mr. Kates. “The cosmos is so amazing. It’s ever-expanding, but we’re one people...We should all learn somehow to get along with each other.”
“[With] freedom, understanding of our universe, Shen Yun, I think, knocks it out of the park.”
Shen Yun began in 2006 in New York with the goal of reviving the genuine, ancient culture of China, which was once almost lost.
Through dedication to the highest caliber of music and dance, Shen Yun “weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture,” states the company website.
Classical Chinese dance is the focus of a Shen Yun performance, and traditional Chinese instruments blend seamlessly with a full, live orchestra to accompany each vignette. A vividly colorful interactive backdrop, elegant costumes, and musical soloists complete the experience.
“I’ve seen many other shows in my lifetime, of course, as a broadcast person, but I think this one---the choreography is beautiful. The costumes are absolutely fantastic. And what we’re seeing here ladies and gentlemen is absolute precision, and I think it’s absolutely spectacular,” said Mr. Kates.
Shen Yun also strives to rekindle humanity’s long tradition of finding artistic inspiration in the divine, uplifting and bringing joy to both the audience and the performers.
“It talks about the heavens and the vastness of the universe and the spirituality that’s in all of us,” said Mr. Kates. “I feel like my troubles have just walked away from me and just taken off…It’s a spiritual, peaceful, an absorbing experience.”
Shen Yun’s modern tales also address the spiritual persecution of Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, and other groups in China today. It celebrates the bravery of spiritual cultivators in peacefully standing up for their beliefs.
“I feel that the whole concept of freedom should be available to everyone on the planet, and I think what Shen Yun is doing is absolutely spectacular,” said Mr. Kates. “I’m grateful to be here.”
Mr. Kates spoke these kind words at an interview during intermission, merely halfway through the Shen Yun performance. He said he'd been wanting to see Shen Yun for so long, and simply couldn’t wait to see part two.
“I love Shen Yun,” he said. “I would absolutely recommend it to anyone.”
Reporting by NTD Television and Sarah Le
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.
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.
