SALT LAKE CITY—China is the nation with the longest running history. Unfortunately, the Chinese Communist Party changed the 5,000 years of tradition into a totalitarian regime.

Interested in a China before communism, Garin Kristinhess came to Shen Yun Performing Arts with his wife, Karen Kristinhess, to witness the revival of Chinese civilization.

“I loved it. I’ve always wanted to visit China, before the communists,” said Mr. Kristinhess, founder of a tech company.

“I’m sure it’s lovely in many regards, over there, even today, but I’ve always wished that I could visit the traditional China of the past,” Mr. Kristinhess added.

Shen Yun, the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company, is based in New York and it is striving to let the world see what China was like before communism.

“I feel like we don’t see the Chinese people except through the communist lens. And this is really helpful, too. This is really helpful to see the the beauty of the Chinese people and their spiritual roots. Because the Communist Party, [is] so not spiritual,” said Mrs. Kristinhess.

Using classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun tells stories from China’s history and mythology. It also tells stories of present day China.

“I’m also really impressed with the courage to go up against the Communist Party of China and show the truth about some of the things,” said Mr. Kristinhess.

“A common value of mine is that our divine mission and heritage has been confused by atheism,” he added.

Shen Yun’s artists are trained in classical Chinese dance. In addition to flawless technique and artistry, the artists say that one also needs to maintain a heart of humility and high moral character.

“Another thing is I appreciate the modesty, a lot of performances today, their costumes are not modest,” said Mr. Kristinhess. Mrs. Kristinhess agreed.

“They think the more revealing is somehow attractive. [Shen Yun] brought beauty through their movement and through their countenance, their smiles, the offering rather than the lack of clothes. It’s a gift. They’re giving us a gift. It’s well received,” added Mrs. Kristinhess.

Shen Yun’s interaction between performers and a digital backdrop is patented technology. The dancers are able to fly high into the sky and dive deep into the sea through the use of the digital backdrop.

“That’s very interesting. It’s very cool. I was reading that’s patented it, which is pretty neat,” said Mr. Kristinhess.

He added his gratitude for Shen Yun coming to Salt Lake City.

“It’s wonderful.Thank you for coming to our city,” he said.