MESA, Ariz.—Ned Miner, retired business professor, was blown away by Shen Yun Performing Arts, seeing it at the Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center on Feb. 12.

“I was just totally overwhelmed. It is just amazing—the technology, the talent, the beauty, the color—just outstanding,” Mr. Miner said. “I would recommend it to anybody, anywhere, at any price.”

Mr. Miner said Shen Yun told a story with a hopeful message. He would take away from the performance “a peacefulness, a sense of what is more important, especially in a troubled world right now.”

Part of that peace came from having “a better vision of the future for everyone, whether in this life or a future life,” he added.

Also in the audience was Christine Pall, who said she only wished she had seen Shen Yun earlier.

“I’ve waited since 2006. I don’t know why we never came before. But now I’m coming every year,” Ms. Pall said.

Ms. Pall, who works in sales, saw the performance with Michelle Woker, who works in real estate, also seeing Shen Yun for the first time.

“The whole thing was spectacular,” Ms. Woker said. “It was a beautiful show, and I loved the movement of the dancers. Very fluid. And so they were very smooth and fluid so it was beautiful.”

“It was exceptional,” Ms. Pall added. “I was so grateful to be here today.”