BUENOS AIRES, Argentina—“This performance has great value from an aesthetic and artistic standpoint,” said Juan Carlos Sánchez Arnau, a retired diplomat, after attending Shen Yun. Reflecting on the experience, he said he witnessed traditions that continue to hold deep significance today.

On the evening of April 16, Mr. Sánchez Arnau attended the sixth local performance by Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Teatro Ópera in Buenos Aires.

Following the performance, Mr. Sánchez Arnau praised the production’s high artistic caliber. “From an artistic standpoint, I found it very interesting. I know very little about Chinese culture, but in any case, I saw a performance of great value from an aesthetic and artistic perspective,” he said.

Mr. Sánchez Arnau was particularly captivated by the Water Sleeve dance. “I believe it must be a very traditional dance. It really is a beautiful performance,” he said.

Water sleeves are long, flowing silk extensions attached to the cuffs of dancers’ costumes. A defining element of classical Chinese dance, they enhance the expressiveness of movement, adding grace and visual elegance to each gesture.

“Chinese culture is independent of the political regimes it has experienced. It transcends eras and political regimes,” he said.

Mr. Sánchez Arnau is an economist who has served as Argentina’s ambassador to Russia and represented the country at the World Trade Organization’s Committee on Trade and Environment and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. He has also held the positions of deputy minister of economy and public works and deputy foreign minister of Argentina. He is currently the owner of a digital news company.