“I liked the persecution scene the most because it gave me a sense of the polarity of what’s happening in [Chinese] culture and what’s happening now, and it had me feel even deeper, which I really appreciated,” said Ms. Braveheart. Watching the story dance, she felt that her heart had been opened wide.

Now she had been inspired to learn more. “I would like to see more [about the persecution] incorporated in the [Shen Yun repertoire],” she said.

Mr. Daas was also enjoying the performance. “I like the introduction to the Chinese culture, the different aspects of it, and the historical and religious parts. It’s very interesting,” he said.

Mr. Daas enjoyed the humor in “The Restaurant Tale,” the story of local restaurant owners who playfully compete for customers. He also praised the beautiful dancers in “Water Sleeves,” a piece that is staged in the imperial court where the ladies dance gracefully, moving their flowing sleeves.

“I think it’s really important because the spirit mixed with the dance, mixed with the culture—it feels like it makes a much stronger package,” she said.

Mr. Daas felt connected with the divine aspect featured in Shen Yun.

“I also related to that [persecution] scene, how some minorities are being persecuted and how the communist system is trying to push people into conforming and into one type of personality. [It was] very touching,” he said.

Mr. Zucchellini was enjoying Shen Yun for the first time. “[It’s an] amazing performance all around—the whole production makes you happy,” he said.

The stories were beautiful and Mr. Zucchellini was particularly touched by the dance “Insanity During the End Day” which portrays the anguish of a father, a transplant surgeon, whose daughter, a Falun Dafa practitioner, has been murdered by the authorities so that her organs could be sold for profit in one of China’s organ transplantation hospitals.

“I get it—like repression is not the answer. It is a matter of free speech and being able to communicate and do whatever you want,” said Mr. Zucchellini.

“Everything is hidden [in China]. So we don’t know. We don’t know the reality of it. [Shen Yun] may not be played in China for example, which is the sad thing,” said Mr. Zucchellini. People in every country have the right to freedom of expression, he added.

Mr. Zucchellini also enjoyed Shen Yun’s live orchestra which is a combination of classical Western and the melody of traditional Chinese instruments.

“I’m not very familiar with classical music, but I love the idea of listening to different instruments playing live. My heart feels happiness,” he said.

Ms. Sheehy also experienced a feeling of happiness. “I loved it. It made me happy. I feel they’re so talented,” she said.