HOUSTON—Audience members were captivated by an afternoon Shen Yun performance at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts on Dec. 31.

“I think it’s very beautiful, and I love the stories,” said Lorna Hammonds, a retired teacher.

Mr. Hammonds, a retired HR director at a university, said the performance’s unique digital backdrop caught his attention.

“I’ve enjoyed it, really have. I’ve never really seen a show quite like this. I like how they transition into the background and then vice versa. It’s an interesting concept I haven’t seen before,” said Mr. Hammonds.

“I think it’s really interesting. I enjoyed the history part of it, and it still amazes me that you can’t see this kind of show in China. It’s hard to imagine in today’s world, but it is what it is,” said Mr. Hammonds.

Mrs. Hammonds expressed that she is more familiar with Chinese culture because she enjoys watching Asian television.

“I really enjoy the music. I can hear the harp back there from time to time, and that’s kind of neat. You don’t hear a harp much these days,” said Mr. Hammonds.

Edward Young and his family also attended Shen Yun’s performance this afternoon.

“I thought it was a wonderful show. This is our second year ... We wanted something to do as a family, and so we decided, this was very pretty last year, let’s do it again, ” said Mr. Young, a system safety engineer for the International Space Station.

Each of Shen Yun’s dance stories tells a tale from Chinese history, literature, myth, and legend.

“The stories are very interesting and enlightening,” said Mr. Young.

After the performance, he shared that the lesson he took away was to “Be kind. You never know who’s watching.”