ROME—As the emcee introduced the New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts artists as “the world’s top classical Chinese dancers,” the audience at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma on Feb. 2 erupted into a round of thunderous applause.

Only the finest theaters can truly match the caliber of world-class artists, and the Rome Opera House is renowned for its grandeur. Its lavishly adorned interiors and opulent box seats added to the splendor of the evening. After the performance, some audience members lingered in the balconies, taking photos to commemorate the experience.

Romans had eagerly awaited Shen Yun’s return. According to theater staff, although tickets had sold out three months in advance, even on the day of the performance, people continued calling, asking desperately, “Are there any tickets left?”

In response to overwhelming demand, the organizers reopened previously closed-off seating areas, which also sold out.

Two women traveled all the way from Turin, Italy, to see Shen Yun again after already attending a performance in their hometown. Enthralled by the experience, they purchased a large number of Shen Yun souvenirs and bought two books of Falun Dafa, the meditation that Shen Yun artists practice.

One woman from Catania, Sicily, shared that she had been waiting 10 years to see Shen Yun and was finally able to fulfill her dream in Rome this year. Another woman, unable to secure a ticket at the theater, purchased two Falun Dafa books instead.

General Giulio Fraticelli, former Chief of Staff of the Italian Army and former Military and Defense Attaché in Beijing, has spent time in China, but in Shen Yun he found “an astonishingly new experience.”

“The performance was absolutely spectacular,” Mr. Fraticelli said after attending the evening performance with his wife on Feb. 2.

Mr. Fraticelli was deeply impressed by the precision and perfection of the dancers’ movements, the vibrant stage colors, and the themes conveyed throughout the performance.

He interpreted the show’s central theme as that the Creator led divine beings to descend to the human world and that humans originate from heaven, and found it particularly profound and captivating.

“The transition between heaven and earth was incredibly smooth and harmonious—absolutely flawless,” he said. “The synchronization between the artists and the backdrop was perfect.”

Shen Yun is dedicated to reviving China’s 5,000-year-old traditional culture, a mission that Mr. Fraticelli finds invaluable.

“When you visit China, you can faintly sense that this ancient culture has already disappeared. It’s truly unfortunate. But after watching Shen Yun, this feeling becomes even more apparent,” he said.

The universal values of truth, compassion, and forbearance conveyed through Shen Yun resonated deeply with the general. He noted that these values “align closely with Western religious traditions and transcendental universal principles, demonstrating their shared essence.”

“He was absolutely outstanding!” Mr. Fraticelli said. “The lyrics summarize the core message of Shen Yun—everything revolves around this theme, conveyed through the art of performance.”

Mr. Fraticelli expressed his admiration for the Shen Yun performers: “Please continue your efforts because it is incredibly important to spread this message across the world.”

Italian parliamentarian Simonetta Matone celebrated Shen Yun’s return to the stage in Rome after six years.

“This performance is breathtaking—it is a tribute to freedom of thought, freedom of expression, poetry, and beauty!” she said. Ms. Matone, is an Italian magistrate and serves as a member of the Chamber of Deputies for the Lega per Salvini Premier party.

“The dancers were astonishing, the costumes magnificent—especially those flowing sleeves that moved like water and air. Simply mesmerizing,” she said.

She was particularly fascinated by the synchronization between the dancers and the animated digital backdrop, describing it as “flawlessly precise” and “so captivating that I didn’t want to blink!”

She shared that the performance left her feeling joy and deep tranquility, an experience she found profoundly moving.

As a Catholic, Ms. Matone also resonated with the principles of truth, compassion, and forbearance, conveyed through Shen Yun.

“These are universal values,” she said. “In times of war, persecution, and suffering, it is even more crucial to reaffirm and spread these principles worldwide.”

“Everyone has the right to choose their own faith, and the beauty that faith brings is peace, serenity, and unity,” she said.

Ms. Matone said Shen Yun’s success was not coincidental but the result of unwavering dedication.

“Please keep going. You must always stand by your beliefs—no matter the obstacles. Never stop,” she said.

She acknowledged that Shen Yun has faced significant challenges, including the long journey to the recent performances in Rome after so many years, but commended the company for overcoming seemingly insurmountable difficulties.

Maria Serena Patriarca and her husband Valerio Buonolo felt the ancient traditions they saw in Shen Yun were well worth reviving for the modern era.

“We should reclaim the tradition of spiritual cultivation, reconnect with the divine, and return to ‘another’ realm. This is an ancient message,” said Ms. Patriarca.

Ms. Patriarca is a freelance journalist, travel photojournalist, vlogger, and yoga and hiking expert. She founded award-winning web TV channels and has published global travel reports.

Mr. Buonolo, a lawyer, also enjoyed the message he gleaned.

“It beautifully emphasizes our connection to tradition,” he said.
“The younger generation needs education on the universal values that once guided us. We hope these values can be revived.”

“All the traditional values presented in the performance are admirable. The portrayal of communist oppression was precise, powerful, and deeply moving,” she said.

Shen Yun’s mission is to revive the traditional culture that existed before communism.

“This mission is incredibly valuable. The way it integrates reality with stage performance and revives ancient traditions through dance is truly remarkable,” she said.

Ms. Patriarca was particularly impressed by Shen Yun’s bel canto singers and the profound lyrics of the songs.

“The lyrics of the tenor’s song were also incredibly moving,” she said. “They reminded us of our lost connection with nature and the divine. Unfortunately, humanity is drifting away from these connections, and we are paying the price for it.”

She also expressed concern about how modern perspectives tend to dismiss ancient traditions as outdated and irrelevant.

“In today’s world, many ancient traditions are viewed as obsolete and stripped of their value. But in reality, these values are full of life and should be rediscovered.”

“This is incredibly significant and meaningful,” Ms. Patriarca said.