“That was amazing and really well done,” she said.

As a person who strongly supports freedom of belief, Ms. Heath said that the Australian people needed to be careful not to allow the same thing to happen here.

“We have to always fight for that freedom and democracy,” she said, noting that it was impossible for people to be treated well if they did not have freedom of belief.

Dr. Heath’s sister, Anita Heath, an ANZ banker, agreed as she found it horrific to learn that the persecution of Falun Gong was still happening in modern-day China.

Ms. Sambell and her dance partner ranked 31st in the WDSF (World DanceSport Federation) World Open competition in Bangkok in September 2023.

During the two-hour performance, Ms. Sambell was amazed to see how Shen Yun’s performers told different stories about Chinese history, spirituality, and China’s diversity of ethnic groups.

“It is quite outside the usual things,” she said.

As a dancer who has received some training in ballet, Ms. Sambell noticed the differences between the art form and classical Chinese dance, especially in the footwork and the way the dancers used their bodies.

“The way they are using their arms and hands is quite beautiful and elegant, and I love that,” she said. “It’s different from pure ballet, which gives a very different experience for viewers. It’s quite beautiful to watch.”

Through the performance, Ms. Sambell also came to know about a harsh reality in China under the rule of the atheistic communist party where people are persecuted for their personal beliefs.

“I think people [should] have the freedom to make their own choices, how they live their lives, what they choose to believe in, and what makes them feel good,” she said.