SEATTLE—Ron and Jenny Knorr thought it would be a great idea to celebrate their anniversary learning about a different culture through Shen Yun Performing Arts. When they finally saw the traditional Chinese dance and music performance, the couple couldn’t take their eyes off the performers.

“This was a delightful way to spend our anniversary,” Jenny said. “The synchronization of the dancers, just spot on. Just absolutely spot on.”

Her husband, Ron, shared similar sentiments.

“What was really impressive is that the costume colors and the artistry and athleticism of the dancers in combination with the orchestra were just flawless,” he said.

The couple saw Shen Yun at the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall during the matinee on April 3. The New York-based company is in the midst of its 2019 tour where six equal-sized groups are performing sold-out shows across the globe.

Shen Yun’s mission is to bring back traditional Chinese culture to the modern world through performing arts. This culture was at the brink of being wiped out after the Chinese Communist Party seized power in 1949.

“I think it’s a shame that cultures disappear. I really do. I think that every culture has such unique qualities and such fabulous things to offer mankind in general,” said Jenny, who is a teacher.

Ron echoed her comments, saying, “People need to be exposed to different cultures and to their ancient traditions and ways like that, and just be enlightened.”

Some parts of ancient tradition that the Chinese communist regime has tried to eradicate and replace include spirituality and faith, which are greatly embedded in ancient Chinese civilization. This is one important aspect of Chinese culture Shen Yun tries to revive.

In addition to dance, Shen Yun’s performances often feature musical soloists, including bel canto vocalists who sing original pieces in Chinese, with English translations of the lyrics projected on the digital backdrop, something Ron said he liked.

“The tenor was really good,” he said. “I kind of got emotional because I read along [with the lyrics] as he sang and I thought it was spot on.”

Jenny, on the other hand, was captivated by the two-stringed erhu, or Chinese violin—an instrument that can convey a wide range of emotions.

“I loved the erhu. I loved that, that was so beautiful. I’ve heard it before but I didn’t know what it was,” she said, describing the sound as “lovely and very unique.”

The couple said they were looking forward to coming back to see Shen Yun next time.

“It’s definitely worth the investment,” Ron said.