TORONTO–Sisters Elsie Bloom and Kate Bokhout spent the afternoon with legendary figures from ancient Chinese culture on April 23, as they took in Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Sony Centre.

The women reflected on the experience after the matinee performance, saying it provided a lot of food for thought.

“[It has] a very good message about what is really important in life,” said Ms. Bloom.

“It’s a very positive show,” added Ms. Bokhout.

Shen Yun’s presentation of classical Chinese music and dance is also a mission to revive China’s 5,000 year old divinely-inspired culture. Its story-based dances reflect the traditional values that sustained China’s glorious dynasties–a culture said to be passed down by the gods.

“Principles such as benevolence and justice, propriety and wisdom, respect for the heavens, and divine retribution, all come to life, washing over the audience,” says the Shen Yun website. “Originating from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, these ideals are the essence of traditional Chinese culture.”

Ms. Bloom was touched by these values, presented vividly through the dances accompanied by a full orchestra that blends traditional Chinese and western instruments.

“It was very well done; the philosophy was presented very well,” she said.

“It’s universal,” said her sister. “It was absolutely beautiful.”

A value that stood out for Ms. Bloom was the notion that the material world is fleeting and illusory, and spiritual development and treating others with kindness provides lasting contentment.

“It’s not money, it’s not wealth, it’s not status–that doesn’t complete your life,” she said. “It will never be enough if that’s what you’re always looking for.”

“It’s how we treat each other, and finding our way back to God.”

Reporting by Dongyu Teng and Justina Wheale

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. Shen Yun’s International Company is currently touring Eastern Canada. For more information, visit Shen Yun Performing Arts.

Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reaction since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.