WASHINGTON—Stephanie Weidle, opera singer and executive director and chief operating officer of Feds for Freedom, and Jim Erdman saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on Jan. 18 at the Trump Kennedy Center Opera House.

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.

“I think people forget that traditional Chinese culture has a lot more spiritual value than people think these days, especially considering the government. So I think that spiritual side comes out in the show,” Mr. Erdman said.

Ms. Weidle said that she enjoyed the “Water Sleeves” dance.

“They were moving the sleeves to the music,” she said. “It was very impressive.”

Michael Sciacca, policy analyst on Capitol Hill, was also in the audience for the matinee performance.

“It’s been a lovely experience. Witnessing the techniques of all the performers has been a wonderful experience, [a] showcase of Chinese tradition,” he said.

Shen Yun’s website says, “China was once known as “The Land of the Divine,” reflecting a belief that its glorious culture was brought down from heaven.

“It was a lovely experience to see the depiction of ancient Chinese religious tradition and [the scene of] coming from the heavens down to Earth and seeing the basis for a lot of tradition,” he said.