“Just amazing. The costumes, the storylines, the dancing. It’s just incredible, eye-opening to me. And I’m just proud that I get a chance to see this. And it’s an honor to watch these professionals,” said Dan Miller, the director of Communications at K9s for Veterans.
“It was wonderful. It was such a surprise. I didn’t know what to expect, and I was just amazed with the choreography, their beautiful outfits, and the storyline,” said Laura Russo, a premium auditor for Arch Insurance.
“The whole type of dance is what they did. And these beautiful motions and elegance and, of course, the costumes and the music were also very nice, supporting whatever we saw. So, the whole package was impressive, very impressive!” said Istvan Merchenthaler, a medical professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Shen Yun’s live orchestra, blending Western and Chinese musical instruments and unique musical elements, also left a strong impression.
“The choreography, the music, and then the soloists I mean, the vocal soloist, the Erhu, I’ve never seen this instrument performed in this way before, and it is absolutely phenomenal. They’re world class musicians,” said Derek Kane, the chief AI officer at Relitix.
Mireille Claret, a French teacher at DePaul University, said, “I thought it was very well balanced with the stories and dances and the music, which is a mix of Western and Chinese music. It was so lively. I mean, there was no minute to spare to watch everything.”
“Bringing back a traditional culture and the relationship between people the kindness, the brutality that there can be and how if you stick with your tradition and with your values, you can prevail,” said Craig Cernek, the owner of Cernek Architects.
Ms. Claret said, “We need our roots. We need to know what our grandparents and ancestors lived through, and it helps us to look at the future too, and to see that we are part of the story which started 5,000 years ago.”
“It was beautiful, very spectacular. And I agree that it was educational. I mean, you can learn quite a lot, but it was fantastic. I loved it,” said Mr. Merchenthaler.
The performance as a whole resonated deeply with audience members, who described the experience as both moving and uplifting.
“I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and it definitely opens your eyes to a few things, and I feel good, and I think it makes you feel like a better person,” said Mr. Miller. “Thank you for a wonderful show and the message that you’re sending. It’s just, it’s heartfelt, and it’s amazing.”
Ms. Russo said, “They touched my heart with how wonderful the performance was. So, thank you so much.”
Audience members said they are already looking forward to future performances.
“I will bring my grandchildren next year. Definitely,” said Mr. Merchenthaler.
Mr. Kane said, “I think I need to watch it at least two more times to catch all of it. There’s a lot going on there but it wasn’t like so much it was difficult to follow. It was just that there’s just a lot and all good.”
Ms. Claret said, “It’s wonderful that they are able to change the show every year. And I hope I’ll have the opportunity to come back to see a new one.”
