“It’s incredible, honestly. I can connect because I know how difficult it would be. How much work they put in to perform and move in this particular way,” said Elena Vorozhtsova, a yoga instructor who was originally from Russia.

“I’m just amazed that they jump—they’re airborne—you don’t see any sort of thump—they just landed so softly. Amazing, honestly,” she said.

“I’m enjoying it very much. I particularly like the storytelling,” said Mr. Duff.

“All the stories are good because they’re all telling you about different things. I like the one about Monkey [King] rescuing his master,” he said.

China’s five millennia are abundant with true stories of good people who persevere through hardship and are awarded by the heavens. Shen Yun takes these stories and brings them to life.

“It’s about the imperfection of people’s character and triumph of good over evil at the end of the day, so these are all good stories,” said Mr. Duff.

“I think culture is always great because it’s a ray of light in any dark world. At some point, all these clouds will disappear. I think it’s great. It’s great. They keep the tradition going,” said Ms. Vorozhtsova.

Coming from Russia, Ms. Vorozhtsova sympathizes with the people of China who are currently deprived of basic human rights.

“I’m in full sympathy with the people of China, but just simply hold on. There will come a time when people will [have a] normal life,” she said.

“I think it’s so important to keep the human spirit alive. And that looking back to your culture, trying to recreate the best of it is absolutely keeping hope and good things alive,” said Mr. Duff.