Among them was Michael Cogdill, an award-winning journalist and news anchor.
“Steep in the artistry of old China and new steep in the elegance of it, the irrepressible elegance,” said Mr. Cogdill. “Such elegance, such grace, and such athleticism. It's magnificent, just magnificent. The artistry and the athleticism as they combined, so beautiful, so beautiful.”
Joseph Rich, a company CEO, said Shen Yun is very inspiring.
"I think they're doing a fantastic job with the dance company, and you can see it come through in the passion of the dancers and the choreography and the music, how it's integrated so well. I think they did a phenomenal job. Very impressive,” said Mr. Rich.
“It's exciting to see. It's a beautiful country, a beautiful culture. The interaction of the people and the beliefs are really, really mesmerizing.”
Danette Cogdill, a company founder, said Shen Yun is amazing and poetic.
"And the fantasy of them going into the screen and then coming back and the timing, it is amazing. Absolutely amazing. I loved it,” Ms. Cogdill said. “We just enjoy the dancing. Everybody is so talented and so dedicated, and the costumes are so beautiful. It's an experience that everybody needs to enjoy.”
Ancient Chinese people believed their culture and values were inspired by the Divine. Since taking power in 1949, the current Chinese communist regime has disconnected its people from their authentic culture and persecuted those with faith.
Mr. Cogdill said the artistry and civilization of China will never be repressed by communism.
"It always shines through, and eventually it will topple communism. It will happen. We believe that in this country, with all our hearts,” Mr. Cogdill said. “You can't watch this and not be happy. There is such happiness, even though there is repression from communist China, there is an evolution through it. Humanity evolves beyond such dreadfulness. It's just happiness throughout.”
Ed Koconis, a city planner, also spoke on the issue of communism in China.
“After communism, as shown in the as shown in today, they've just stripped so much of the history and the culture away. It's very sad," he said.
"And as you can see, they did a good job of showing different places in China over the thousands of years. And it's amazing,” said Mr. Koconis. “It was more amazing than I even thought. I've seen so many advertisements for it and heard so many things, and it was above and beyond."
Mr. Rich said, “I think they're doing a fine job in the production of doing that and conveying that message through the art, through the dance, and through the music as well. It's a beautiful production. If you haven't seen it, you must see it.”
Mr. Cogdill passed a message of thanks to those involved in Shen Yun.
“To the artists, bravo, bravo, and thank you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you so very much,” he said.
