MELBOURNE, Australia—Lisa Smith, a doctor, had seen Shen Yun Performing Arts before, and this year she brought her two daughters to see the performance on March 12 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Plenary Theatre.

“I wanted to bring my girls—I think everybody should see it,” Ms. Smith said.

Last time Ms. Smith saw the performance, she saw goodness and beauty presented on stage. She brought her daughters to inspire them.

Shen Yun, based in New York, is on a mission to present “China before communism” and to revive people’s connection to 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and culture.

“I think it’s important for everybody. Good is always better, peace is always better. Love and kindness is always better,” Ms. Smith said.

“Incredible. My girls are both dancers as well. And I appreciate how many hours and commitment it takes to perform to that level,” Ms. Smith said.

“[Shen Yun was] not shy [to show] the persecution. To include that in the choreography, that was very powerful,” Ms. Smith said.

The last time Ms. Smith saw Shen Yun was a decade ago. She was surprised to learn how much Shen Yun has grown.

“It’s interesting to see the changes and everything. … They’re very good. I was surprised that they have eight companies now. That’s amazing,” she said.

Ms. Smith appreciated Shen Yun’s positive energy, and she shared that this won’t be her last time seeing the performance.

“The energy and vibrancy and the color. We'll come back again with the other children,” she said.