MILWAUKEE—“I am astounded … I just cannot believe [the dancers] achievement,” said Corrine Fiorentino, fitness instructor at the YMCA in Racine, Wis.

Both the Fiorentinos are former dancers: Mr. Fiorentino studied ballet and Mrs. Fiorentino competed in Country Western swing and line dancing.

“They are amazing,” said Mrs. Fiorentino. “Their fitness ability … they must work out eight to 10 hours a day to get this level!”

According to the Shen Yun website, one of the things that audience members often notice is the range and degree of difficulty of classical Chinese dance techniques.

“Looking at their feet, it’s perfect,” said Mr. Fiorentino. “Their body movement … the things that they are doing are incredible!”

According to the company’s website, their performances demonstrate “China before communism.”

The Fiorentinos felt Shen Yun delivered more than just picture-perfect dance.

“I like learning about the [traditional] culture in China,” said Mr. Fiorentino, “and the values that they’re continuing to try and provide to society.”

“I almost came to tears watching that … and to think that actually still is happening today.”