SAN DIEGO—On April 21, Shen Yun opened the first of its four consecutive performances at the San Diego Civic Theatre. It will be the company’s last stop in California this season.

“Even my husband was enjoying it! He brought me here because I liked music and dance, but he’s actually like, ‘Oh, this is really neat!’”

“I didn’t know there was going to be storytelling!” Ms. Curet exclaimed.

Using classical Chinese, folk, and ethnic dances, as well as solo musical performances, Shen Yun recounts tales ranging from ancient times to the modern day.

It was a pleasant surprise for the couple to learn that the flipping and tumbling techniques employed by Shen Yun artists came from the purest form of classical Chinese dance—the origin of gymnastics and acrobatics.

“I’ve never, ever seen anything like that before,” she said.

“We were thinking that even our two young kids would enjoy this. I will definitely recommend the show. I was thinking about telling my co-workers too. I think they would enjoy it.”

Referring to Shen Yun’s portrayal of traditional Chinese beliefs and spirituality, Ms. Curet said even though she is of a different faith, the message presented was universal.

“I’m a spiritual person so I thought [the values] were really nice too. We have a common goal and I can relate to that.”