(Clearwisdom.net) Shen Yun Performing Arts received thunderous applause at its opening night at the Jones Hall in Houston, Texas, on December 21, 2011. The premier classical Chinese dance and music company kicked off its 2012 world tour in North America earlier this month, introducing a brand-new production filled with a dazzling display of traditional Chinese culture.

Through expressive story-based and ethnic dance, spectacular animated backdrops, world-class vocalists, and a live orchestra, Shen Yun transported the Houston audience through 5,000 years of Chinese history, highlighting the wisdom, beauty and grace of the country once known as “The Land of the Divine.”

Councilwoman Wanda Adams came to see Shen Yun for the second time. “It gets better and better every year,” she said. Ms. Adams noted that Shen Yun has offered people in Houston an opportunity to experience true Chinese culture. “You can actually experience exactly the Chinese culture, as well as Chinese dance [at the show],” she said. She praised the “beautiful colors” of the costumes, “the beauty of the dance as a whole,” the choreography where “everybody is on the same step and no one is missing a step,” and “the beauty and excitement that you see on the dancers’ faces.”

“It’s been a beautiful show all around,” Ms. Adams concluded.

Many members of the audience from all walks of life shared the sentiment.

“Everything is beautiful. It’s flawless,” said Mrs. Judy Morgan, a representative for a nutraceutical product, who came to see the performance with her husband. She was especially touched by the “Sleeves of Silk” dance number, which she called “just perfection.”

Her husband, Mr. Morgan, was equally enthusiastic about the show. “I thought it was wonderful,” he said, noting the “splendid” colors and the immaculate synchronization of the dancers. “It’s just so soothing and elegant to watch how coordinated the dance numbers are. I thought it was just tremendous.”

“I really enjoyed the Buddhist Monks number ['Joyful Little Monks'],” he added. “They had some humor in it, some drama. I thought it was extremely well done, very entertaining.”

Ms. Mitra Panchal, a real estate agent, was also full of praise. “It’s beautiful!” she proclaimed, adding that she had “never seen a show like this” before. “I cannot believe the grace with which they are dancing and the uniformity with which they are dancing,” she said. “I am amazed! I’ve always loved classical performances, but this is really, really great!”

People who have not yet seen a Shen Yun performance “must” see the show, Ms. Panchal concluded. “It is something unique they shouldn’t miss!”