“It’s fabulous. It’s vibrant and colorful. And I love the intricate movements. They give a lot of breath and life into their movements and their expressions. And I’m really enjoying it,” said Lisa Wintrode, a stay-at-home mom and wife of Kody Wintrode, who works as an oncology account specialist.

“I spent time in Taiwan, and so I speak Chinese, and just watching this—it reminds me of why the people left China and went to Taiwan. So it’s been pretty cool to see some of the history and historical significance of the act as well,” expressed Mr. Wintrode.

Audience members often see martial arts, acrobatics, and gymnastics in Shen Yun’s performances, but acrobatics and gymnastics originate from classical Chinese dance, while martial arts also originate from Chinese culture, so naturally, there are similarities.

“It kind of reminds me a little bit of martial arts, too, like the men’s dance. It’s very interesting to learn more about the history. And I’m part Chinese too. So there’s a lot of things that I didn’t know and I’m learning as I watch,” said Mrs. Wintrode.

“I enjoyed that piece with the snow because it was very energetic. And it reminded me a little bit of folk dancing. And it just looked like a lot of fun. And it was kind of like fresh as if you were skiing or snowboarding through the mountains,” said Mrs. Wintrode, referring to a Tibetan dance.

“I think they have some really significant cultural pieces in it as well. In college, we studied a lot about the Monkey King, and I had to read the book ”The Scholars.“ So there’s a lot of historical value and significance to what we’re seeing too. So being able to see all of this in this kind of format is just wonderful,” shared Mr. Wintrode.

“I also think there’s a lot of universal messages about heaven and culture and preservation and social justice and peace,” said Mrs. Wintrode.