(Clearwisdom.net)

Shen Yun graced the stage of the distinguished Jones Hall on December 21, 2011, in Houston, Texas, as part of the company’s 2012 world tour. Bringing 5,000 years of civilization to life through classical Chinese dance, spectacular backdrops and dazzling costumes, Shen Yun delighted audience members while enriching their understanding of traditional Chinese culture, art and values. Inspirational vocal and music solos, along with the orchestra that masterfully combines Western and Eastern instruments and plays all-original compositions, rounded out the opening-night performance.

Family: ‘We loved it’

Mrs. Dixie Gartrell, along with her husband and daughter, had wanted to see Shen Yun Performing Arts for three years and finally found the opportunity to do so on December 21.

“We loved it!” exclaimed Mrs. Gartrell. She was especially touched by the solo performed on the ancient Chinese instrument “erhu,” also known as a two-string “Chinese violin,” which she described as “just beautiful.”

“It was great!” agreed Mr. James Gartell in reference to the show. He said he appreciated the theme conveyed in the performance that “there is still good in the world.” The couple said they learned a lot about traditional Chinese culture by watching the show.

Mother of three: ‘Very colorful and exciting’

Mrs. Angie Gill, mother of three, watched the performance with her 11-year-old daughter.

“[It was] very colorful and exciting,” she said. “I enjoyed the dancing a lot—the flexibility and precision of the dancers. … And the choreography was good, as well as exciting; it was pleasing to the eye.” She and her daughter agreed that Chinese classical dance is exceptionally expressive, with a lot of “feeling and emotions expressed in the dancing.”

Mrs. Gill’s daughter added that she learned about Chinese history through the performance.

Wife: “It was flawless’

Mr. Sam Brown, who works for the Houston Chronicle, brought his wife, Mrs. Korrie Cooper, an IT analyst.

“We enjoyed the show very much, very much. … It was very, very good,” said Mr. Brown.

“It was beautiful,” agreed Mrs. Cooper. “The female dancers, they were beautiful. And then when the male dancers came on stage, they were so graceful and strong.”

“The orchestra was excellent, very powerful,” added Mr. Brown. He also enjoyed learning that many of the dance and gymnastics elements “we consider very Western” actually originated from classical Chinese dance.

“Everything about it [the show] was awesome. I will come again. It was flawless,” concluded Mrs. Cooper.

Mr. Brown offered the following advice to those who have not yet seen Shen Yun: “Take the time during the holidays to come out and see it. It’s well worth it!”

Mrs. Cooper echoed his words. “Well worth it!” she said. “And if it’s something you never thought you would enjoy, you would enjoy it. I can’t compare it to anything else. It’s beautiful!”