(Clearwisdom.net) Shen Yun Performing Arts dazzled audiences at the Gamage Theater in Phoenix on March 27 and 28, 2009.

Ms. Mackey, a musician, was in the audience. "I love it. It is so dynamic, full of energy and sensitivity, and gentle. It's just more than I ever expected," she said with a glint of happiness in her eyes. "It is all just amazing. It's just beautiful--the lines, the fluidity with which they carry out their moves is just so inspiring.

"The orchestra is just superb, superb, absolutely. And the singer and the erhu [a two-stringed Chinese instrument] musician--they were wonderful." She was very impressed with the combination of Western and Chinese instruments in the orchestra and the Chinese dances and songs. "It's very wonderful to watch. It's a complete package."

Mr. Pleasa, who works in the aerospace industry, was highly impressed with the show, saying, "The show was fantastic, one of a kind, inspirational, exciting, extremely well done. Excellent stage performance--I cannot say enough about it."

He felt the spiritual, almost divine aspect to the show. "There were four or five [ways] in which I think this show was magnificent. I think the spiritual part was one of the best. We were with several people from different cultures, and everyone found inspiration in the spiritual parts for very personal reasons. It was one of hope and freedom, I think, and also of goodness. The performance was magnificent in that there was virtue ... In so many different areas the dance performance, the choreography, the precision of the choreography was unparalleled. I don't think I have every seen anything quite like it. Some of the dance moves I have never see before, and, in fact, some of them were so exceptional that I would not have thought them possible. Also the costumes .... and the stories that went with all of the dances. I loved the two-stringed instrument--it sounded so beautiful that it got right to my heart and past it."

His acquaintance, Mr. Noel, also in aerospace as well as medical, scientific, and industrial technology, said, "I love everything about it. I love the costumes, the programs, the singing, the orchestra--everything. Spirituality and science mix together perfectly for me. I think one supports the other, and so, as a scientist, I have particular appreciation for the spiritual message presented in the show as a message about the whole cosmos. I like that part."

Ms. Sunstein, an actress and one of the first graduates of Bennington College, attended the show with her friend, Ms. Allensworth. Bennington College in Vermont was the first to include visual and performing arts as important curricular elements of a liberal arts education.

Ms. Sunstein, an actress and one of the first graduates of Bennington College, and her friend, Ms. Allensworth

Ms. Sunstein said enthusaistically, "It was just fabulous." She especially enjoyed the program about the eccentric monk who saved a village from calamity.

Ms. Allensworth said the fan dance struck her most. The flowers on stage "were like our petunias." She also liked the distinct colors of the costumes and the backdrops: "It is unbelievable. You almost think you're there." Ms. Sunstein agreed, "I think the special effects are unbelievable. They really add to the show."

Ms. Allensworth and Ms. Sunstein were moved during the dance "Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution." Ms. Allensworth explained, "I cried because it was so real. It was so real. The thought that it brought home was that we could be in that position [of being persecuted]." She felt grateful for freedom of belief, "How lucky we are. I don't think we realize how lucky we are."

Stage veteran Ms. Sunstein commented that the dancers "were completely together. [They] were just
beautiful. Dancers are the workers. It's the toughest discipline there is."