LAUSANNE, Switzerland—Human resources director Nora Sterchi had tears in her eyes as she exited Shen Yun’s evening performance at the Theatre de Beaulieu on Jan. 17.

“It was really beautiful. The colors, the music, the songs, it really touched me,” she said. “I really felt the joy of living. That was really moving and it touched me a lot. I felt transported on a journey.”

According to the performing arts company’s website, the name “Shen Yun” translates directly into “the beauty of divine beings dancing.” Ms. Sterchi said she couldn’t agree more.

“I’m really happy to have come tonight. It really makes for a great time,” she said, “you feel a force, an emotion that comes spontaneously. It comes from the divine.”

In addition to a series of classical, ethnic, and folk dances showcasing the various regions and dynasties of China, the Shen Yun program includes solo performances by vocalists trained in the authentic bel canto style.

Ms. Sterchi said these songs were especially moving because “they touched upon human values” and “connect with what’s [going on] around us.”

“The lyrics of the songs were very deep,” she said. “We’re in a society that is disconnected from the [spiritual] world. It was touching to have lyrics that reconnect us a little bit with this part of our tradition and our values.”