“I love that. I love the athleticism of the dancers—especially the men—and the fluidity and artistic choreography,” she said enthusiastically. “It’s just so different. Absolutely stunning.”

According to the company’s website, the classical Chinese dance seen in China today is heavily mixed with military and modern styles. Only at Shen Yun can the audience experience it in its purest form, preserved as it was passed down through generations.

“I love the spiritual aspect of promoting compassion and acceptance for all,” she said, reflecting on the finale, which transported the audience to present-day China and raised awareness of the ongoing persecution of faith by the Chinese Communist Party.

The story-dance conveyed a message that when people uphold traditional moral values and treat one another with kindness, the divine will offer guidance and support in times of hardship.

Though Shen Yun artists are well-beloved by audiences around the world, they are currently forbidden by the ruling Chinese regime from performing in China. In fact, many of the company’s founding members had fled to America to escape persecution.

Ms. Johnston said Shen Yun’s emphasis on faith is important and inspirational in today’s world because “without faith, you won’t have hope and without hope, you’re doomed.”

“In happy times, faith is amazing because that’s your salvation. That’s heaven. But in bad times, you hold on to faith to have hope, and you'll get through it with peace and joy.”

She is very excited to share the experience with all her friends and family.

“In the West, we don’t really have that. [It’s also about] promoting faith and love and freedom, to have your own belief—[the performance] ties it all in. It’s really unique, and it encompasses everything that expresses who we are as human beings.”

“Thank you for creating something that is so amazing. It touches the artistic and the spiritual side of things,” Ms. Johnston said.