SAN FRANCISCO—“They are like coming from heaven,” said vocalist and music teacher Mary Anna Alderete after coming back to see Shen Yun Performing Arts for her second year at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, Jan. 8. 

The animated backdrops used by New York-based Shen Yun had created a unique effect Ms. Alderete enjoyed, allowing the dancers to appear on stage one moment and on screen the next in many of the stories performed.

The backdrops also help transport the audience on a 5,000 year journey through Chinese civilization.

“I came last year, and I decided to come every year,” Ms. Alderete said. “I love all of it.”

All of the components—traditional Chinese dance, music blending East and West, the digital backdrops—came together beautifully, Ms. Alderete said.

“It’s just so beautiful, graceful. Light wins, spirituality wins. I just love it,” Ms. Alderete said.

Watching the performance, Ms. Alderete said she felt happy and content.

As a vocalist, watching the soloists singing original Chinese compositions in the bel canto style were a treat for Ms. Alderete.

It was absolutely gorgeous being exposed to traditional Chinese culture by Shen Yun, Ms. Alderete said.

“Everybody should do themselves a favor and come,” Ms. Alderete said. 

Reporting by Flora Qu and Catherine Yang

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.