CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.—Dr. Tye Young and his wife, Kim Young, were intrigued and surprised by the history in Shen Yun, after they saw it at Tivoli Theatre on Jan. 14.

“It was beautiful. I thought it was amazing. I did not realize the history that would come along with it, so that was a really neat aspect,” said Mrs. Young.

Shen Yun’s programs draw their inspiration from China’s 5,000 years of civilization,” reads the program. “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.”

Dr. Young said, “Yeah, I thought it was great too; I definitely felt like I learned something culturally.”

To him, the performance offered more than he had expected. He said he thought it might have been acrobatic or athletic, but the dance, stories, music, and visual richness were greater than he guessed they would be. “Loved the colors, the fabrics. I mean I’m a dude, so not necessarily always wowed by that. But when you put that together like Kim said, with the history … and it came with a whole symphony and three singers; I didn’t know it would be all that. Surprised.”

Shen Yun states that it is a new beginning. “In 2006, leading artists came together with a mission to revive authentic Chinese culture. They formed Shen Yun.”

Dr. Young seemed to respond to the artists’ purpose. He said, “I think I would just say it’s a great way to restore Chinese culture. Blending with modern day … human rights.”

Mrs. Young concurred. “Yes, that is great.”

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.