VANCOUVER—Shannon Malta, a business partner, along with realtor Pam Farina and retired secretary Shirley Farris, had a wonderful time attending Shen Yun Performing Arts’ matinee at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on April 10.

It was the friends’ first time seeing the performance. Ms. Farina walked into the theater not knowing what to expect—but by the end of the show, she was all smiles, describing Shen Yun as an enlightening experience.

“It was peaceful and the costumes were beautiful. … It was really kind of enlightening. It gave me lots to think about,” she said.

“We enjoyed it because it was new to us, so we learned a lot. We learned a lot about the different types of Chinese dancing, the music, and the way they tell the story through their movements. It was amazing.”

Unlike the modern, military-influenced styles often seen in China today, Shen Yun preserves and performs this tradition in its most authentic form, as it was originally passed down through generations.

“It was wonderful. I really enjoyed the talent of the people that did the dancing and all their moves and actions—it was just overall very enjoyable. The costumes were beautiful. So, I really liked it,” she commented.

The stories were “intense, it was deep. Because there was no speaking, you really had to follow again through [and] the dance tells you a lot.”

Shen Yun’s performance is comprised of a series of short pieces that take its audience on a ride through the dynasties and across the vast regions of China. Using classical Chinese, folk, and ethnic dances, as well as solo musical performances, the artists tell tales from ancient times to the modern day.

Ms. Farris said she’ll need some time to fully absorb everything she experienced, but overall, she loved the atmosphere of the performance and found it “very calming.”

“It’s very calming—the music is so soothing, … I’m glad I saw it. I’ve always wanted to,” she shared.

“I think it’s important that they’re keeping their faith and they’re keeping their spirituality and being brave,” she added.

“More people should try to see this. I don’t think they know what it is until they’ve seen it and sat through it,” she said. “People need to know; people need to come and see it.”