“Each part has its own message: not just one message but a lot of little messages that all come together. That’s what makes it really neat. It’s hard to describe,” said Cecelia Cook, a nurse manager.

“We would just say you'd have to come and experience it for yourself. It’s beautiful and it’s worth coming to.”

Mr. Cook, who is retired, said his favourite story in the performance was the opening scene, “where God came down to save the world ... maybe just because it was so incredible to start like that.”

“There’s a certain religious aspect to it, a spiritual aspect to it that you wouldn’t find in other theater. It’s, to me, quite an opening. It creates a statement that follows throughout the story,” he said.

The dances in Shen Yun originate from Chinese history and literature. Classical Chinese dance is one of the most versatile dance forms in its forms of expression.

“It’s almost impossible to describe. It’s just a form of dance that is beyond anything we’ve ever seen before. The music, the choreography, all together creates a mindset that is unique and never before experienced. This is a very unique and beautiful experience. It is a bit of a spiritual experience,” Mr. Cook added.

“I thought it was interesting about the crime and the persecution of those poor people. That was really touching and sad. I think it was great that they made that so everyone could be aware of what’s going on in China,” Mrs. Cook said.

“The CCP tries to project a world image of goodness, but in fact they are lying and deceitful,” Mr. Cook said. “They’re creating an awful atmosphere in China. I don’t doubt that the Chinese are conflicted internally whether they want to follow their government leadership or whether they want to try to break away.”

“It’s sad to think that this has been taken away from the Chinese public, that they don’t have this,” Mr. Cook said.

Shen Yun is sharing the beauty of China with the world so that more and more people can understand that China and the Chinese government are not one and the same.

“It’s good that they’re bringing awareness to all of that. It’s wonderful that you guys are going around to the different states,” Mrs. Cook said. Shen Yun’s 2023 tour is performing for audiences around the world into May.

“I think they’re creating a bit of a social revolution in some respects. This is a way of informing the public. I feel sorry for the Chinese people,” Mr. Cook added.