ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.—Before attending Shen Yun Performing Arts’ second show at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts on Jan. 17, company owner Gabriel Bucky admitted he felt “a little nervous” since he had never experienced a performance like this before. By the end of the evening, however, he was very glad to have come.

“Every dancer—even the ones in the back—you can see their faces, and they’re into it, everybody’s loving it, everybody’s moving, they’re all well trained, and everybody’s in sync the whole show. It’s great.”

Mr. Bucky loved that Shen Yun used short story dances to convey their message and tell legends from ancient times to the modern day.

“I think telling the stories is amazing. I brought my family and my son, and we’re just enjoying it. Every story is told with the movements that they do. It’s translated perfectly through their fluid movements. The show is just fabulous. Fabulous,” he said.

Referring to the story-based dances raising awareness for these ongoing human rights issues in China, Mr. Bucky said the persecution is “unfortunate and sad.” He applauded Shen Yun for being able to tell such a raw and heartbreaking story with beauty.

Shen Yun’s program features a series of short pieces that journey through China’s dynasties and regions. Through classical Chinese, folk, and ethnic dances, as well as solo musical performances, the artists bring to life stories from ancient times to the present day.

Moreover, Mr. Bucky was very impressed with Shen Yun’s innovative 3D backdrop that collaborated seamlessly with the dancers on stage and the live orchestra in the pit to enhance storytelling. This technology is so creative that it has its own patent.

“I loved how they are including the large screen in the back where [the dancers] jump in and out. It’s very 3D, very entertaining,” Mr. Bucky said.