DETROIT, Mich.—It is one of the great ironic tragedies that an ancient civilization like China is cut off from its rich cultural and spiritual heritage due to its current political structure. Luckily, there exist groups like Shen Yun Performing Arts, who vow to preserve and promote what is at risk of being lost forever. Shen Yun is a New York-based performing arts company whose seven touring groups present classical Chinese dance and music on the most prestigious stages of the world. Gene and Evis Kola, who work in logistics and manufacturing, respectively, were grateful to have been able to experience Shen Yun’s presentation of essential Chinese culture. “I’m very happy that this kind of show is allowed here,” Mrs. Kola said. “Unfortunately, [it’s] not allowed back in China.” Being based outside mainland China, Shen Yun has the freedom to give artistic expression to China’s rich spiritual heritage—ideas that are banned …