SALT LAKE CITY—Drew Cannon and Pamela Cannon saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on March 15 at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater.

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.

Mr. Drew has been around the world and has experienced many different cultures. Through these experiences, he has found, “that regardless of color of skin, address, when we meet each other, we’re more alike than different.”

“I believe there’s a divine and there’s beauty. A lot of people were living in chaos, and we forget our beginnings—where all this started. And the message that they’re giving—I love the message,” he said.

“It’s not evolution,” Mr. Cannon said.

Both he and his wife shared that they believe people came from heaven and not from evolution.

“There’s a higher power,” Mr. Cannon said.

Many of Shen Yun’s dance stories share values that were held in high esteem in traditional Chinese culture, such as filial piety and loyalty. These values are seen as universal in many parts of the world.

“It reminded me that all around the world, we are more alike than we are different,” said Mrs. Cannon,” also a clinical social worker.

“That belief system is very much embraced by us. We’re not different. We’re the same. We want the same things. We want happiness, kindness, and peace in the world. And so do the people on the stage. That’s the story. We want the same things for ourselves,” Ms. Cannon said.