SEATTLE, Wash.—Doug Roulstone is a businessman from Snohomish who had come to enjoy the unique performance of the world-class Shen Yun Performing Arts while it was playing in the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall in Seattle.

“To see the traditional Chinese colors, they’re just beautiful. And particularly this time of year, it’s very exciting to see colors like that,” he said.

“The artistry and the performance, it’s just exquisite how the performers match and everything [is] in unison ... and with the music, it’s just a great harmony.”

He explained how the audience watched scenes of harmony and beauty portrayed in traditional Chinese dances and how this contrasted with the harshness under Chinese Communist Party rule. Under the rule of the regime, the country had headed in the wrong direction, he said.

“A lot of times we judge countries on what we see today. But [if] you go back … there’s a lot of beauty and greatness and wonderful things that happened in the history of China. And so, I think we should be aware of everything, not just what we see today, but go back in history and understand how we got here,” Roulstone said.

Shen Yun’s stated mission is to revitalize the authentic Chinese culture which nearly disappeared under the ravages of the communist regime. The flips, tumbling, and leaps seen on the stage originated from traditional Chinese dance.

Roulstone explained how he appreciated the two emcees who came out before each performance piece and gave an overview of what was following.

“It’s one thing in a [presentation] of artistry and dance and music to just enjoy the sounds and the sights of things. But then to have somebody come up with commentary to explain what it actually means, I think, is very important and …  I think it makes your experience much better,” he said.