NEW YORK—Paul Couluris, a retired Air Force pilot who also helped design the Lunar Module cockpit for the Apollo moon missions, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater on Saturday afternoon with his wife Sally, who is also a retired defense industry professional. 

Mr. Couluris called the show exhilarating. And as an engineer, he especially enjoyed the hallmark precision of Shen Yun dancers. 

“[They are] Very precise—excellent choreography,” he said.

“[It’s] very inspiring, very colorful, and quite different from what we’re used to,” he said.

The New York-based company revives 5,000 years of ancient Chinese culture through story-based classical Chinese dance and ethnic folk dance. 

“Oh, it’s wonderful!” Mrs. Couluris remarked during intermission.

“This was really beautiful. They are so talented,” said Mrs. Couluris of the dancers, among whom are the best classical Chinese dancers in the world. “We’re fortunate to have them here sharing their talent with us.”

The couple was impressed by the presentation of China’s rich culture, which is believed to be divinely inspired. The dance, the music, and all aspects of the performance are imbued with profound meaning.

The art forms have developed over thousands of years, influenced by the different characteristics of each dynasty. China is home to over 50 diverse ethnic groups and their traditional dance styles are brought to the stage.

Shen Yun Performing Arts Orchestra brings a touch of the West to the display of Chinese culture. It features a unique blend of classical Chinese and Western instruments. 

The colorful silk costumes and the state-of-the-art digital backdrop create a brilliant display, transporting the audience at now to the royal court of the Tang Dynasty, now to a harvest celebration by the Yellow River. 

Reporting by NTD Television, and Epoch Times reporters Tara MacIsaac and Hongyu Zhao 

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.