Following the performance, Ney gave positive remarks. “It was very enjoyable, I really liked it,” he said on Feb. 2, 2020.

He found the dancers to be impressive, saying, “The grace and all their movements, even the more vigorous ones ... it always seemed without effort and it was very easy, and if I was to try the same thing that they did, I’d be very out of breath. It’s nothing like walking down the street, I’m sure it’s quite challenging for them.”

Shen Yun dancers use the dance form of classical Chinese dance in their performances. Classical Chinese dance has existed for thousands of years, going through numerous dynasties and eras within China’s history while drawing inspiration from each one.

According to the program book, the dancers train in this style and emphasize principles, such as inner spirit and self-expression, that take dancing to a higher level of beauty.

Ney commented that dances don’t always tell a story clearly, but he couldn’t say the same for Shen Yun.

Ney added, “I think that the spirituality that the dancers bring, I think is conveyed very authentically with the movements, with the dance. I think the dances come across as being very authentic, it’s not just a performance, it’s something that they live or they feel. And that’s what comes across.”

Ney admired Shen Yun’s mission in reviving China’s culture. “I think it’s applaudable, it’s very worthwhile. I think keeping culture and history alive is a very important thing. I think there is a lot of lessons from history that should be brought forward, especially in this day and age,” he said.