Rich and Cheryl Sinclair enjoyed the performance in many ways. Mr. Sinclair, a construction supervisor, said he liked “everything. It’s really well put together. And then with the background and everything, it’s unreal. The way that’s all put together, too. Very entertaining.”

Mr. Sinclair said that the stories performed in dance “bring out the spirituality for sure. I don’t know that much about China or Japan. I'd like to go there.”

Mrs. Sinclair, who is Native American, agreed that Shen Yun’s spirituality “resonates with us. The spirituality resonates with me with the earth and the other [higher] beings.”

Mrs. Sinclair identified with the lyrics’ message. “I think it’s a great message in how it’s being presented. I really think that it’s grabbing the audience. I love it. I think it’s fantastic,” she said.

Shen Yun’s 3D patented backdrop amazed the couple as the performers glided and jumped in and out of the screen during the dance.

Mrs. Sinclair, a retired buyer for McMaster University campus store, said: “I was just talking to my mother-in-law; she loves how the background, how they just jump in and go up. Then they pop out of the background again. She’s just amazed. She’s really enjoying it.”

The dance of the Water Sleeves caught the attention of Mrs. Sinclair with its unique costumes, choreography, and music.

“With the ribbon and the sleeve, how they can pull it [the sleeve] back,” she said. “It’s just incredible how they can do it so fast.”

As the Sinclairs watched the performance, the energy of the dances seemed to pour over them.

“You just kind of feel as the scenes are going on that you go with the flow of it,” Mr. Sinclair said.

“I found that sad when [in the dance] they’re going to the jail,” she said.