SÃO PAULO, Brazil—On the afternoon of May 3, Brazilian senior lawyer and former tax court judge Manuel Laet attended the fifth performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Teatro Bradesco in São Paulo with his family. Deeply impressed, Mr. Laet described the performance as “surprising” and said the lyrics offered profound insight into life’s purpose, expressing hope that the divine can guide humanity back on the right path.

Mr. Laet is currently founding partner at a law firm and previously served as a judge at the São Paulo State Tax Court.

“I had no idea that all these movements came from Chinese dance,” Mr. Laet said during intermission. “I thought they were connected to circus arts or other forms. So for me, it is really surprising.”

He added that his entire family thoroughly enjoyed the performance and noted how special it was to experience such a production in São Paulo. “We are here with my daughters and my wife, and we are all loving it very much. It’s very nice to have access to something like this here … It’s a shame that not everyone can have access.”

Mr. Laet said he recognized Shen Yun’s mission in the performance. He was particularly struck by the soprano’s singing. “The message in the lyrics speaks about a loss of connection with the divine and the impoverishment of the newer generations… unfortunately, that is a reality.”

Reflecting on this, he said, “Let us hope that the divine can put us back on the right path.”

He noted that one part of the lyrics, in particular, left a deep impression on him: “This struggle, where negative forces try to influence us and divert us from what should be our great mission; that was the most touching part for me.”

Mr. Laet also spoke about his personal belief. “I hope every day, on my knees, to connect with the divine.”