LAKELAND, Fla.—Steve Pike, a business owner and pastor, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on Feb. 4 at the Youkey Theatre, RP Funding Center.

“People are looking to new ways for salvation, and I think that the beauty that you see in this presentation appeals to people’s souls. You can’t separate the beauty from the spiritual things,” Mr. Pike said.

“I think it very well communicates that—tradition and traditional beliefs and traditional family—there’s a tremendous value of that, and I also appreciate that it’s juxtaposed with communism and atheism,” Mr. Pike said.

“The costumes are bright and beautiful. The dancers are fabulous, exceptionally athletic. The flow of the program is very quick. The time goes by without you even noticing,” Mr. Pike shared.

Mr. Pike remarked that communism could never create something truly beautiful because there is no beauty inside communism.

“You create outer beauty when there’s something beautiful on the inside. You can’t create outer beauty when what’s on the inside is ugly,” Mr. Pike expressed.

“I came this afternoon, and I think I now have a much better idea of what [Falun Dafa] is all about. I appreciate their emphasis on truthfulness and compassion, and also valuing traditions,” Ms. Pike said.

Out of all the dances, one that left a deep impression told the true story of Falun Dafa practitioners in China, who follow the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. Despite their contributions to a better society, they are being persecuted for their faith.

“They’re appealing to truth and compassion. Why doesn’t [the Chinese Communist Party] want those things in Chinese society? I understand a little better now because Falun Gong is reaching back before the Communist Party. And the Communist Party, they want to be the final answer to everything,” Mr. Pike said.

“Very impressed and especially touched by the [erhu] with the grand piano. That was just exquisite. It was so beautiful,” Mr. Pike said.