PARIS—On Wednesday, Feb. 15, a crowd of spectators was quickly arriving at the Palais des Congrès in Paris. This is Shen Yun Performing Arts’ 17th year, and the company presents a brand-new performance every touring season.

Jean-Denis Oester, a former human resources director in the automobile industry, was moved to tears.

“Such grace, such lightness, such beauty! I think it is magnificent!” he said. “And how much inner work and ability to improve does it imply! I am extremely moved—it feels as if we are in a civilized world ... it is a novelty!”

In addition to the high artistic level, Mr. Oester liked the humor in the show: “Some parts are funny and very light, with the ability to laugh at oneself ... I thought it was beautiful!”

With Shen Yun meaning “the beauty of divine beings dancing,” the company continues that noble ancestral tradition that every artist should remain in “connection with the Divine” and strive for goodness. They often practice meditation, elevate their morality, and practice their art with a humble and pure heart. They cultivate virtue, states the Shen Yun program.

Mr. Oester could feel this connection to the Divine which according to him is “very present” within the show. “But there is a notion of struggle that is present in the quest for beauty ... in the quest for independence and in the struggle against this terrible persecution they talk about. There is the struggle and then there is the trust in God. You have to find the place of trust and the place of action.”

“All of which is included in terms of the ability to learn, the ability to work, because there’s a phenomenal amount of work behind it all! I think it’s a wonderful example, and why not broadcast in details the training and the journey of these young gifted people. These are gifted people who, through work, but through very hard work, achieved this degree of excellence. It would be very enlightening for many people to see their journey, I think.”