ROSEMONT, Ill.—Pastors Daniel and Nivia Paredes attended Shen Yun Performing Arts’ matinee for the first time at the Rosemont Theatre on April 24. The couple was thoroughly captivated by the experience.

“It’s colorful, beautiful, emotional. I wish to be in there [within the scenes]. The dresses are beautiful. The fabric is very light. I can see the movements, it’s angelical,” Mr. Paredes exclaimed.

“When I see [Shen Yun,] I say to [my wife,] ‘Happy birthday, Merry Christmas, Happy anniversary.’ This is a good moment to celebrate many things.”

Mrs. Paredes was equally moved. She especially loved the artists’ message about reviving spirituality and preserving traditional values.

“It’s a powerful message,” she said. “They talk about God, and when you talk about God or angels, you feel peaceful. Relaxed.”

Mr. Paredes, on the other hand, appreciated how expressive the dancers were. He loved how well they were able to convey emotion through movement.

“It’s peaceful. Yesterday, we had two bad moments at work. So, this is a good getaway to relax and to be alone, far from the earthly work—like a medicine,” he stated.

“We are Christian pastors. So, this is a good message from Chinese culture that we are experiencing for the first time. We believe God is universal. We believe God is for everybody all over the world.”

He also enjoyed the solo musical performances and thought the soprano’s voice was “very beautiful.”

Mr. Paredes would like to tell all the performers: “Don’t get older.”

“They are wonderful. I look at beautiful faces. They are young people. … I would love if they could never get older so they can dance forever. I encourage them to perform and to teach others so my children and other kids later can see the performance.”

“I love it. And I recommend that everybody come in. This is amazing. This is unique,” Mrs. Paredes added.