For a thousand years, amidst the ceaseless flow of time, people of all nations have awaited the return of the Divine. Only by upholding the goodness within one's heart can one receive salvation from the Creator, safely pass through the tribulations, and step into a new era.

In the upper reaches of the cosmos, divine beings dance in a golden paradise. Fairies twirl in gleaming skirts and silk sashes in praise and celebration. Rainbow ribbons arc through the skies as trails of brilliant color. A distant voice summons them as the Creator states his grand wish to rescue all sentient beings. In a vow to follow the Creator, the deities descend to Earth. They reincarnate as human beings to guide China's 5,000 years of civilization.

High up in the heavens, golden peacocks soar across iridescent skies before transforming into radiant fairies. Recalling the grace of birds in flight, with their ethereal skirts and gold chiffon ribbons, the ladies soar gracefully amidst the clouds.

Immortals gather at the heavenly feast. Fairies in radiant, multicolored robes dance through the vast sea of clouds, a truly magnificent sight.

On a Mid-Autumn night, under a clear breeze and a silver moon, it is said that Emperor Taizong of Tang was invited by the moon goddess Chang'e to the Moon Palace. Fairy maidens gathered to welcome him, dancing gracefully to heighten the joy of the night.

The Tang Dynasty (618–907) is often considered China’s cultural golden age, and especially during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong was a time of flourishing art and poetry. This painting is inspired by Shen Yun Performing Arts's dance drama, which depicts the story of Emperor Xuanzong and Lady Yang. Its composition recreates the charm and elegance of the Tang Dynasty on Shen Yun's stage, transporting people back to the peak of prosperity in Tang poetry and music.

Moon fairies alight upon a mountain lake for a brief earthly visit. When greeted with raindrops, they use their magic to shelter themselves with pink umbrellas. They can now carry on with their stroll, dancing with grace and innocence.

Ancient legends speak of ethereal realms where celestial maidens glide amidst the clouds. As they delicately dip and swirl, their nimble beauty illuminates their heavenly world.

Welcome, privileged visitor, to the capital of the Tang Dynasty (618–907), the mightiest empire of its time in all of Asia. Join the emperor in enjoying regal evening entertainment. Court ladies—garbed in billowing, heavenly gowns—attest with their every move to the elegance and grandeur of the Tang.

Soothing celestial strains resonate through a heavenly cloudscape. Phoenix fairies, dressed in azure skirts and fluttering capes, take flight in the boundless sky—a sign that a saintly ruler has arrived.

A celestial melody beckons as lotus fairies appear amidst clouds. Soaring and whirling, they bring good tidings with their grace reflecting the sacred purity of their lofty realm.

Classical Chinese dance emphasizes the feeling behind a movement, known as yun (the same yun as in the name Shen Yun). Each movement, executed with precision and grace, is a reflection of the dancer's inner world.

This legend begins with a not-so-studious young gentleman. He finds it difficult to concentrate, especially with the distraction of drinking and mischievous friends. Though he frustrates his father, he has a good heart, which pays off unexpectedly on this particular day. His spontaneous act of kindness brings him a miraculous blessing, leading to an adventure, and inspiration, of a lifetime.

The Lady of the Moon Chang'e and her fairy friends gracefully descend from the Moon Palace, dancing and showering the earth with a soft, enchanting glow.

A sonorous gong announces our presence at the Tang Dynasty (618-907 C.E.) court, where ladies in heavenly gowns stand poised to greet us with dance. Golden skirts and wide, sweeping sleeves move in a chorus of stately color and music, exemplifying the spirit of China's mightiest dynasty.

On the roof of the world, home to the Tibetans, a sonorous prayer horn rings across majestic peaks. In the valley, young men emerge wearing long white sleeves, which represent the khata scarf, traditionally offered as a symbol of honor and reverence. Casting and twirling their khatas skywards toward the heavens, they pay their respects inspirited celebration.

The painting brings you to the terraced hills of Yunnan Province in south west China, where people of the Yi ethnicity have resided for thousands of years. Here, the ladies’ sprightly arm movements and dainty footwork accompany their swirling skirts, painting the valley with blossoming colors.

An evening sun sets the skies aglow above the palace halls of the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.). Imperial dancers wearing long “water sleeves” invite us into their world. The intricate movements of their silky sleeves form spirals and fountains of fabric, displaying both grace and inner strength.

In China, a circular, handheld fan is a canvas for embroidery, brush painting, and calligraphy. It is a prized work of art. Across the dynasties, fans adorned with images of birds and flora have accompanied exquisite ladies as the choice accessory for conveying purity and grace.

The Creator descends from the heavens, calling divine beings to Earth to save lives. Taking human roles, they forge a glorious culture that unfolds the grand play of history.

In ancient China, every young scholar's highest aspiration was to pass the imperial exams and climb up the ranks as a civil servant. The official's hat was a status symbol and receiving one was a crowning glory. One such scholar, however, is given a rare invitation to eternal life in the heavens. But can he see through the temptations of the mortal world and realize that all things gained here are but dust in the wind?

In the courtyard of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) royal palace, ladies dance in elegant dresses with billowing sleeves. Noble and majestic, their movements capture their regal bearing and grace. Each dynasty had its own unique attire, and the grand Tang sleeves are a testament to this flourishing era.

In this piece, the ladies dance with long, flowing "water sleeves" reminiscent of those used in China many centuries ago. The dancers' movements are gentle yet lively, embodying the dual nature of water.

A tranquil lake shimmers at the foot of a majestic palace. We are now in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), often considered China's cultural golden age. Here, the ladies cast aloft their long, silky sleeves. As the "water sleeves" cascade through the air, the dancers breathe life into an era of ancient splendor.

In traditional Chinese culture, peaches have long symbolized longevity and even immortality. In this dance, celestial fairies have come to pick peaches and delight in the heavenly harvest.

Chinese lore is rich with tales of mystical beings who visit the human world. Among them is the moon goddess, Chang'e, who lives in a celestial palace with a host of fairies to keep her company. In this story, we follow one of China's greatest emperors, Tang Taizong (598-649), on the night of the Moon Festival. As the Emperor wistfully gazes at the autumn sky, he drinks in homage to the moon and its mysteries. On a whim, he decides to leave the imperial grounds to take in the festivities. Accompanied by his advisor, a Taoist sage, the Emperor is suddenly captivated by a lady of otherworldly grace. What happens next, they say, is a thing of legends.