“I think it’s amazing. ... The visual effects are phenomenal. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s almost as if you were transcended back in time and experiencing something elegant but yet strong,” said Edward, who is the area sales director for a pharmaceutical company for the western United States. The pair attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at Ft. Worth’s Bass Performance Hall on Jan. 6, 2020.

“The synchronicity is second to none. It’s amazing. It is just so breathtaking and so captivating. You’re in the moment with them. Beautiful,” said Gabriella, who is a realtor.

“But yet peaceful too. I guess joyful would be the word,” Edward said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHBoExmSC4U

“I was watching [Gabriella] and she constantly had a smile on her face, so that’s how I feel. I feel just—you feel joy,” he added.

Edward said this particular storytelling dance also moved his heart and made him feel appreciative of his own freedoms.

“It was definitely heartfelt. The way they presented it was a way that most folks can understand what’s happening from the persecution standpoint and how beliefs are not granted [in China] as they are here. So, for me, it helped me appreciate where I’m at and what we have, but it does sadden me that those atrocities occur. It’s unfortunate and hopefully, it can change somehow,” he said.

The silver lining around the persecution as depicted by Shen Yun is an intensely bright one. Shen Yun artists present the traditional Chinese belief that rewards are given to good people who exhibit compassion, forgiveness, and faith in the divine. Divine beings even become characters on stage. Some audience members report seeing real divine beings appear in the show.

“Absolutely, without a doubt, without a doubt. Mesmerizing,” Edward said.

“Oh, yes. It is gorgeous. It is beautiful,” added Gabriella.

“Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. It is beautiful, beautiful,” Gabriella agreed.