Shen Yun presents Chinese folklore through dance

Shen Yun Performing Arts began in New York in 2006 when a group of Chinese expats united around the desire to revive and share aspects of the country’s traditional culture. More than a decade later, their efforts are manifest in a colorful performance comprised of a collection of short narrative dances.

Dancers — accompanied by live musicians and arrayed against digitally-rendered backdrops — enact tales of heroism, divinity and adventure taken from the pages of Chinese folklore. Emcees introduce each 10-minute mini drama so that familiarity with the myths is not necessary to follow along.

Shen Yun is on view in San Jose at the Center for the Performing Arts through Saturday, Dec.