PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island—Providence Mayor David Cicilline enthusiastically welcomed Shen Yun Performing Arts' return to the Providence Performing Arts Center on June 26.

"Downtown was alive tonight because the theatre was filled with people who have left here having really enjoyed a magical evening," he said.

According to Shen Yun's website, the non-profit organisation seeks to revive the true, five-millennia-old artistic tradition of China and breathe new life into traditional Chinese culture while providing audiences everywhere with an experience of sublime beauty.

The New York-based artists made their Rhode Island debut in March 2009 and Providence audiences are already looking forward to the company's third visit during its 2011 World Tour. Mayor Cicilline said, "I hope they come every year".

Each year new dances and operatic pieces are added to the already fantastic repertoire. The performers are accompanied by the Shen Yun Orchestra in a unique and delightful fusion of Chinese and Western instruments which renders China's ancient culture more accessible to Western audiences.

In the letter of welcome Mayor Cicilline had sent to the hosting organisation, the Falun Dafa Association of New England, he wrote, "Word of this delightful world-class show has been spreading throughout our community. This outstanding display of classical Chinese dance and music is sure to captivate audiences of all ages as well as inform them of important events in recent Chinese history."

After seeing the show, Mayor Cicilline shared his thoughts. "It was very beautiful. I enjoyed the show tremendously," he exclaimed.

He continued, "Shen Yun was a real gift to the residents of this city. It was a magnificent show which brought forth beautiful music and wonderful dance and some of the great traditions of China."

"I think everyone in the audience was mesmerized by the beauty of the show," he said, adding that really spectacular arts and culture enrich a city.

He felt the overall quality of the performance was spectacular, concluding, "Excellent dancers, magnificent music, great lyrics and the singers - great voices!"

With reporting by NTDTV.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. For more information please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org

Original article: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/38352/