CINCINNATI, Ohio—It was a glorious matinee for theatergoers at the Aronoff Center for the Arts on Feb. 16 as they watched Shen Yun Performing Arts present its all-new 2025 production.

Lindsey and Jane Pyron and Mr. Pyron’s mother, Shirley Saffrey, found so much of the production pleasing.

Mr. Pyron shared that he has traveled to China several times and that Shen Yun gave him a glimpse of traditional China.

“I go to China quite a bit, at least I used to before COVID. I love going to China, and I love the people and the food. I’ve never seen a dance like this,” he said.

Mr. Pyron approved of Shen Yun’s efforts.

“I hope they’re very successful. I understand the challenges with trying to do something like this in China. I wish it could happen. As important as it is for people here to see it, of course, it would be great for people in China to see it too.”

“The movements for the different dances are very unique. I love the little moves with their arms; that was good. It’s very impressive,” he said.

The Pyrons and Ms. Saffrey sat close to the live orchestra that accompanies the performers on stage. Shen Yun’s orchestra features original compositions using both Eastern and Western instruments, a unique offering among Western orchestras.

“Oh, it’s beautiful, the music,” Mr. Pyron said. “The music is beautiful. The orchestra is beautiful.”

Although Shen Yun performs around the world, it is banned in China and Mr. Pyron shared his dismay at this state of affairs. “I think it’s beautiful, but it also makes me a little sad that this is not allowed in other places.”

“When I’ve been in China, I saw some of the Falun Gong people in the parks. I talked to some of them and it was very inspirational, some of their stories, and so it’s a shame. I know things have been kind of cracked down a little bit,” Mr. Pyron said.

“I’ve been everywhere. I would go there sometimes for two to four weeks at a time. Of course, I always go to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chongqing, and spent some time at Shaanxi University, so I’ve been all over. Kunming, which is beautiful in the mountains. I love it there.”

Shen Yun’s performers practice the self-improvement system Falun Gong, which teaches the principle of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. The present communist regime has banned the faith. Mr. Pyron questioned whether it is good for any society to persecute people who try to live by these principles.

“Any restraint of anything is … It’s hard when you’re American. We’re all about free speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of thought. I understand the difficulties in China. The internet helped things; things were getting much more open and people there were seeing a lot more of what was happening on the global stage. The news was getting through more,” Mr. Pyron said.

To the artists, both the Pyrons and Ms. Saffrey had high praise. “I think that it’s just so beautiful. And the way the dancers … They just glide across like they’re floating across the floor,” Ms. Saffrey said.

“Oh, I love it,” Mrs. Pyron said. “Their movements are just effortless and they’re just trained so beautifully. I just sit here in awe. I’m watching all the colors and the movements. I love it.”

Mr. Pyron could only say, “Bless them. I hope they have safe travels in the horrible weather we’re having. I’m sure it’s a very rigorous schedule, so I hope they get some time to enjoy the city of Cincinnati because it is so nice here.”