LONG BEACH, Calif.—“This is an amazing show,” Mayor Rene Trevino of Artesia, California, said from Shen Yun Performing Arts’ opening performance in Long Beach on Feb. 6.

“The dancing, the music, the choreography are absolutely stunning. Everything is very well put together.”

Mr. Trevino praised the show not only for its artistic brilliance but also for its timeless message of peace, unity, and community.

Shen Yun, based in New York, is the world’s premier company for classical Chinese dance—one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.

“It’s very colorful, very rhythmic. Everyone flows like water,” he said.

Mr. Trevino was particularly captivated by the “Water Sleeve” dance performed by Shen Yun’s female dancers. “It was very beautiful. The sleeves, everything moves so rhythmically. A very good show. A very good piece,” he remarked.

Throughout the performance, core traditional values such as filial piety, kindness, truthfulness, and loyalty are expressed vividly through movement and storytelling.

Mr. Trevino said these values carry a profound message. “It’s a strong message, and the choreography really makes you feel a part of everything. The way it’s put together … It truly conveys a peaceful message. It’s a message of unity, it’s a message of divine holiness. There’s a lot of peace that comes through in the performances being presented tonight,” he said.

He admired how the performance fostered positive actions for society. “In our current society, if we truly took care of one another, looked out for each other, and embraced each other, the world would be a much better place. Society would be more peaceful, more progressive, and better in every way,” Mr. Trevino said.

Reflecting on the show’s spiritual dimension, he added, “The opening piece really tells the story of ‘How we came to be.’ Through meditation, music, and choreography, the storyline unfolds and transcends into a very peaceful experience.”

Mr. Trevino also noted the relevance of Shen Yun’s themes of unity and traditional values to Southern California’s diverse community.

“Southern California is a very diverse community—a true melting pot. Los Angeles County has about 11 or 12 million people. This type of show brings unity, peace, cooperation, and collaboration. The dancers and choreography really highlight that. If we could take even a small glimpse of that and apply it to our daily lives, things would be much better,” he said.

Marking Shen Yun’s 20th anniversary, Mr. Trevino extended his congratulations to Shen Yun’s performers and artistic director.

“Congratulations on 20 years of success! Conveying a great message and bringing joy to people—what you present is very peaceful, very calming. Congratulations on 20 remarkable years, and best wishes for another 20 to come,” he said.

Reporting by NTD and Olivia Li.

NTD is a media sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts, covering audience reactions since 2006.