SAN JOSE, Calif.—Shen Yun Performing Arts, the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, delighted theatergoers in San Jose on Dec. 23 as part of its world tour.

Kevin Vliet, a vice president at Target Corporation, was among the audience members. He enjoyed seeing the culture presented in Shen Yun.

“It’s very entertaining and energetic,” he said.

Shen Yun is based in New York and aims to revive China’s 5,000 years of ancient culture through dance and music. This traditional culture has been nearly lost under today’s Chinese communist regime, which has spent the last several decades trying to wipe out Chinese traditions.

As a result, the regime does not allow Shen Yun to perform in China.

“I think it’s a shame that they can’t perform in China because of these beliefs,” said Vliet.

In other countries, however, Shen Yun regularly performs to sold-out audiences in top venues. Its several touring companies travel the world each year with an all-new production.

“[I would tell my friends] they should come and see it, and be thoroughly entertained,” Vliet said.

Financial planner Bryan Foertsch was also in attendance. He was impressed by the performers’ beautiful costumes. The dancers’ costumes are brilliantly colored and often include long, flowing sleeves or accessories such as fans.

“Amazing, amazing dancers,” he said.

Foertsch had never seen anything like Shen Yun before. It was perfect, he said.

“The scenery is outstanding ... beautiful; amazing,” he said, referring to the digital backdrop that complements the dance pieces with scenery from ancient and modern China.

Ancient Chinese culture is said to have been divinely inspired, according to Shen Yun’s website. A belief in the divine is an important part of this traditional culture.

Foertsch found the spiritual aspect of Shen Yun “very uplifting.”

“I feel the happiness that they’re expressing,” said Don Bottomley, president of a beer distributing company, who attended the same performance.

“I have never seen a better show,” said Bottomley. “Excellent! San Jose is lucky to get them.”