“The artistry behind it, the choreography. I mean, having been in the military, I can appreciate the discipline,” said Rob Mayhew, Army veteran and co-owner of Mayhew’s Market.
He was excited for the performance and came with a group of nine.
“It was emotional. Don't tell anybody, but there were a few parts in there where it was like, you know, whoa, my eyes are getting moist. It was good,” Mr. Mayhew said.
Jackie Happoldt, a dance teacher and former studio owner, said the performance was beautiful.
“It was graceful, it was really well done,” Mrs. Happoldt said, adding “the costumes were lovely.”
“It was a magnificent performance. Extremely talented dancers,” said Mike French, who works as a marketing consultant with Sinclair Broadcast Group.
Mr. Yahnke described the performance as “color, perfection, and wisdom.”
The Des Moines theatergoers appreciated Shen Yun’s efforts to revive genuine traditional culture.
The New York-based nonprofit has been doing this through art, dance, and music for nearly two decades.
Mr. Mayhew said the experience of a live performance and the orchestra “takes it to another dimension.”
“I don't mean to exaggerate, but it just made that much of an impression,” he said.
“Faith, in particular, I'm finding that the cultures have a lot in common—more than one would suspect,” Mr. Yahnke said.
“Giving hope in the Creator and in the rest of mankind who connect with the Creator,” Mr. Mayhew said, calling the experience “heart-touching.”
“It's that kindness to demonstrate to each other from the love he's given us. And you walk away with that. It's demonstrated in this performance, and it's beautiful,” he said.
Mr. French said it was a new experience for him.
“It was very enjoyable. We enjoyed our time here, and found it very worthwhile to come,” he said.
