FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.—Aiyana Sugerman, a production company owner and manager, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 18.

As a producer, Ms. Sugerman sees the whole picture of a production, and she was highly impressed with Shen Yun.

“The opening act when they were sitting in the clouds and they all had the lotus flowers in their hands was breathtaking. I think it was impactful for an opening scene, vibrant colors, cinematic, dramatic,” she said.

Shen Yun, based in New York, is on a mission to present “China before communism,” and revive people’s connection with 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and culture.

Ms. Sugerman said she recognized that Shen Yun is forging a path that no other performing arts company has tread before.

“When you step out to be a voice, you’re creating a path for others to follow. It’s acting when you have courage, not scared, and not being quiet,” she said.

Shen Yun’s artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.

“The costumes were exquisite, the dancing was beautiful,” Ms. Sugerman said.

“I used to dance, so I had an immense amount of appreciation for their endurance and their grace and how tight and together and on time they were. It was stunning.”

She was especially pleased with the “Water Sleeves” dance.

“It’s very rare to see dance these days that feels so elegant. It brings me back to the old world. [I’m] feeling nostalgia. It felt like it really captivated the essence of its true history.”

“The orchestra is incredible,” Ms. Sugerman said.

Shen Yun’s singers are trained in bel canto technique, and the digital backdrop provides a translation of the Chinese lyrics being sung.

“Breathtaking. I was captivated the entire time. The female soloist, her voice filled the room, and it was also penetrating and all encompassing. I love it,” Ms. Sugerman said.

Shen Yun’s use of its digital backdrop is patented. The versatility of the technology allows the set to change scenes in the blink of an eye, giving the stage endless possibilities.

“When the monkey dance came on and then when he turned into the screen, that element was really playful,” Ms. Sugerman said.