KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Guy Highfill and his wife, Deb, who both work in international publishing, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts’ second show at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on March 13.

The couple was very impressed by the talent of the artists and thought the evening was both fantastic and wonderful.

Reminiscing about her time living in China, Mrs. Highfill shared that the performance brought back many memories. “We watched some of the acrobatics [in China,] but nothing like this—this is just incredible.”

She especially enjoyed the piece where the dancers’ long sleeves billowed and flowed like the gentle movement of water on stage.

“I love the long sleeves and how they catch them and how they throw them out again,” she said.

“I kept thinking I'd throw it out and miss it or something, but every one of them caught it. It was very nice. Then to see the men come out with the long sleeves too, that was quite something.”

According to the company’s website, the name “Shen Yun” translates directly into “the beauty of divine beings dancing.” Based in New York, the artists have made it their mission to revive, through dance and music, China’s divinely inspired civilization to its pre-communist glory.

Its performance is comprised of a series of short pieces that take its audience on a ride through the dynasties and across the vast regions of China. Using classical Chinese, folk, and ethnic dances, as well as solo musical performances, Shen Yun tells tales from ancient times to the modern day.

“The performers are very talented,” Mrs. Highfill said. “The singer, oh my goodness, that was unbelievable. She had quite a range.”

Mr. Highfill, too, loved every program of the performance and found it impossible to pick out a favorite. He relished the opportunity to immerse himself in China’s 5,000 years of history and traditional culture.

“The choreography is so good. Fantastic orchestra,” he said. “Wonderful.”

This season, Shen Yun’s eight touring companies are bringing their stunning performances to over 200 cities worldwide. With a brand-new program each year, the company’s 19th anniversary marks another season full of fresh surprises for both first-time and returning audiences alike.