FRESNO, Calif.—Many audience members are often surprised to see what true Chinese culture is after a Shen Yun performance.

“It was good. I saw the dances, and my first thought was ‘I need to study more Chinese culture,” said Jeremi Reimer, a high school senior who came to see Shen Yun Performing Arts with his father, Viktor Reimer, a manager, and his sister, Sophia.

Shen Yun is based in New York and its mission is to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture.

“I love history, so watching this—it was the coolest thing ever,” Jeremi added.

Shen Yun’s artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.

Sophia said, “I love it a lot. And what really shocked me was how they could memorize all those dance moves.”

Each year, Shen Yun puts on an all-new production, which includes the choreography, music, costumes, and backdrops.

Jeremi said, “I like the story dances, how it was very complex and yet you could also tell exactly what the story was. And I spotted a couple of stories that I recognized in there.”

Shen Yun’s live orchestra consists of traditional Chinese instruments playing in harmony with a classic Western ensemble.

“It’s good. I like how it has the modern orchestra, and under it, you get the traditional Chinese instruments,” he said.

Shen Yun’s use of its digital backdrop is patented. The versatility of technology allows the set to change scenes in the blink of an eye, giving the stage endless possibilities.

“It was really unique the way the characters would like pop behind this little staircase and then their characters would be on the [screen]. It must have taken so long to make that and program that,” he said.