Accompanying Ms. Branstad to the performance were Mr. Churchill and Bill and Lynn Frank.

“It definitely portrays China before communism. ... When you look at what the lyrics were for the songs and when it talks about the divinity, that’s certainly something that we wouldn’t see today,” Mr. Churchill said.

She also praised the presentation of divinity and spiritual themes in the performance.

“We who definitely have faith in this country—it was very nice to see that portrayed because, like Mr. Churchill said, you did not see a lot of religion and faith [in today’s China],” Ms. Branstad said.

Ms. Branstad also said people are anxious to see life return to normal after the pandemic, and seeing Shen Yun helps people enjoy life.

“I mean, everybody is ready to be finished with the pandemic. And so any chance we have to go out and be with people and see a wonderful performance, we’re anxious to get back to living life,” Ms. Branstad said.

“I loved it. You can see the history in it and the beauty and how delicate it was, but how strong at the same time—and the colors.  It was really nothing like I ever saw in China so it was really special,” he said.