WASHINGTON—Mark and Jean Wilson have been attending Shen Yun Performing Arts every year since its inception in 2006 and say they have been moved to tears every time.

Many of the founding artists had left China after facing religious persecution by the Chinese communist regime, in search of freedom of expression elsewhere.

Mrs. Wilson, who is ethnically Chinese herself, also said that everything about Shen Yun is moving, from the divinely inspired culture it brings to life to the modern-day stories told through dance that shine a spotlight on the Chinese communist regime’s human rights abuses.

“It’s a noble accomplishment,” Mrs. Wilson said of Shen Yun. “It uplifts your mind and spirit, and it’s really not an ordinary show.”

Shen Yun programs often span 5,000 years, beginning with the creation of Chinese civilization up to the present day, with different stories and vignettes forming each year’s all-new production.

“From the moment the curtain opens, seeing the scene of the Creator calling on heavenly beings to descend with Him to earth—it’s really moving,” Mrs. Wilson said.

In these heavenly moments, the couple often shed tears from the moving divine beauty, but in other moments, the tears are shed for the Chinese people, she explained.

“Seeing the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution of Falun Gong practitioners is incredibly heartbreaking, so heartbreaking. As a Chinese person—why can’t something so wonderful be shared with the Chinese people?” Mrs. Wilson said.

“I really hope that Shen Yun can perform in China and allow many, many, many Chinese people to benefit from this wonderful thing,” Mrs. Wilson said.