TORONTO—Film writer and director Robert King said Shen Yun Performing Arts was an “inspiring” experience following two years of pandemic lockdowns.

“I was very glad to see something so beautiful, especially after the last two years of all of us being locked up because of COVID, so I took some energy from it. It was inspiring,” he said after seeing Shen Yun at the Four Seasons Centre in Toronto on April 2.

“It’s great to be in a room full of people who are all being sort of taken away and inspired by the performances and the colors and everything that was happening on the stage, and to do it as a collective group.”

Mr. King said the Chinese society was a “more beautiful place” before communism, one where people could enjoy their cultural traditions “without fear of reprisal.”

“I think it’s [Shen Yun is] inspiring. But it’s sad that this sort of thing isn’t really allowed in China,” he said.

“Mini-dramas vividly depict cherished stories of the past. Their heroes embody the most exalted virtues of Chinese civilization, and convey morals still relevant in our day,” says Shen Yun’s website.

“It was something really new for me, and at the same time very graceful and beautiful,” Ms. Enikeeva said. “If you want to see something really professional, beautiful production ... I would suggest to come and watch this show.”

“I think this is the peak compliment for the show, because even the little kids can watch and enjoy the show, not just adults,” she said.

“It’s very interesting.”