COSTA MESA, Calif.—The audience at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts was awed and delighted when Shen Yun Performing Arts took the stage on April 16.

Mike Sanford, a senior nuclear engineer and consultant in the petroleum industry, expressed his awe at the training and skill of the Shen Yun dancers.

Mr. Sanford expressed his amazement at the flexibility and excellent technique of the dancers.

“I’ve enjoyed it thoroughly. I’m a little in awe with the flexibility of some of these people. I’m watching them stand there with their legs completely over their head. I don’t know how they do it. I know they train, but it’s still something else to watch,” he said, adding he would not try it himself. “Being older, I have my limitations.”

Being close to the stage, Mr. Sanford could see the expressions of the dancers, as well as the little details in their movements.

He was amazed.

An audience favorite is the use of Shen Yun’s patented animated backdrop, in which performers seem to jump in and out of the screen into other dimensions and beautiful landscapes.

“I wasn’t expecting that at all. That was really impressive,” Mr. Sanford said.

Shen Yun’s mission is to share 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture with audiences around the world. The stories and legends performed present universal values that resonate with many audience members.

Mr. Sanford connected with China’s culture in this regard. “The philosophies are all the same all over the world. No matter what culture it is, they have courage, family. We’re the same way. We’re firm believers in family.”

He expressed his appreciation of the dancers’ skill and dedication to their art. “They’re amazing. That’s all I can say. They’re just simply amazing to watch. All of them. I don’t know what else to tell them. I’m in awe here. I’ve been clapping a whole lot more than I usually do for my favorite rock bands.”