Deborah Golanski, a former ballet and tap dancer, watched New York-based Shen Yun with Phillip Metcalfe, a realtor.

“I just think the choreography was absolutely lovely, and the unison of the dancers was outstanding. I truly enjoyed the performance tonight,” she said.

“And to be able to do the extensions, and the gymnastics, and the flips ... that was just really, really spectacular.”

“I really enjoyed the dance about the pink flowers where the dancers used the pink fans. That was just a gorgeous, gorgeous performance,” Ms. Golanski said.

The “Plum Blossom in Spring” dance depicts the stoic resilience of plums blossoms as they brave the winter cold to bloom, heralding the arrival of spring.

“And the special effects just added so much to the performance. I … was very entertained by that as well,” Ms. Golanski added.

The couple also expressed appreciation for the Shen Yun Orchestra, which accompanies each Shen Yun performance. The orchestra is a blend of classical European and Eastern instruments. The company’s all-original compositions have won praise worldwide.

Mr. Lee praised the precision of the dancers and Shen Yun’s use of color. “It’s really amazing, it’s really pretty,” he said.

“Everything is just beautiful,” said Mrs. Lee, adding that she was really impressed with the first piece, “Salvation During End Times.”

“The … video-technical aspects are really nice,” he said. He was also surprised to see the live orchestra, which he said added to the whole experience because they were excellent.

“I think that Chinese people deserve to have their culture back, and be able to celebrate and live freely and however they want,” she said.