OXFORD, UK—Christmas has passed, but the gifts are still coming. Paul Greenman’s Christmas gift to his wife, Corrine, was a ticket to see Shen Yun Performing Arts on Jan. 8 at the New Theatre.

“I’m not a habitual theatre-goer, so to come to a show is quite amazing for us. But when the curtain first rose, and the bright lights and the smoke poured off the stage, ‘Wow, what is this?’” said Mr. Greenman, a civil servant. “I’ve never seen ballet, even English ballet. To see the traditional Chinese dance was really impressive, really fantastic.”

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

“I just love the contrast between the men’s dance, with the athleticism and strength ... and then the ladies and their grace and poise and all the rest of it. It’s lovely to see the contrast,” Mr. Greenman said.

“I loved [the dance] where the mother and the son were persecuted,” she said. The dance is called “The Steadfast Heart,” and although the dance portrays persecution, the story ends with hope and joy.

“I love the blend of the traditional instruments with the orchestra. ... So I was looking out for the traditional instruments, and I could recognise them. So when I can tear my eyes away from the screen, I’m trying to look at the orchestra to see what’s playing in which part,” Mr. Greenman said. “I can watch the screen and forget that we’re listening to a live orchestra.”

“I was struck by the lyrics of the tenor’s song,” Mr. Greenman said, adding that he understood them to be calling the audience to “go back to our original liberty of life.”