BERKELEY, Calif.—To the Western audience, Shen Yun Performing Arts is an opportunity to learn about Chinese culture. Yet to Chinese audience members, it’s a reminder of their roots and a way to reconnect with their cultural history. Mr. Liu, who came from mainland China, watched Shen Yun for the first time on Jan. 16 at the Zellerbach Hall

“I think, for Chinese people, watching Shen Yun should be something very sacred,” said Mr. Liu. “I think everyone who comes to watch Shen Yun should come prepared for a sacred cultural baptism. In my heart, Shen Yun is very sacred.”

During the performance, the audience is informed by the emcees that Shen Yun cannot be seen in China. Mr. Liu expressed his wish for Shen Yun to perform in China as soon as possible, “so that the next generation can learn about traditional Chinese culture and art.”

“The thing about art is that if nobody passes it on, it will be forgotten.”

Shen Yun’s program is made up of a number of dance vignettes, some of which are story-based dances. Mr. Liu noticed that Shen Yun’s choreographers paid close attention to portraying cultural details, such as the execution of traditional Chinese etiquette.

“How we will pass these etiquettes on to our next generation is something I’m concerned about,” said Mr. Liu. “But after seeing Shen Yun today, I can see that they are doing a great job.”

One of the story-dances depicts the Chinese communist regime’s persecution of followers of Falun Dafa, a spiritual practice that teaches the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. Ms. Song thought Shen Yun’s portrayal of what was happening in China was very well done.

“Shen Yun is using the beauty of art to spread important messages,” she said.

Ms. Song said the reason she brought her children to see the performance was so that they could learn about Chinese culture.