MONTREAL, Canada—Although the world is divided into different nations and languages, we share a common belief in the existence of higher powers. Shen Yun Performing Arts is reminding audiences that the divine is real and essential to us.

“I found it very inspiring because I have faith. It reminds me of my God. It gives me hope. I know that life on earth is temporary. There is eternal life, there is a God, so I find it serene, encouraging, uplifting, and strengthening,” said Jöanne Lavigne, an author.

“I love it. Particularly when they show people that were too dependent on their cellphone. I liked the fact that they helped people realize that they are missing out on the essential things in life. We are separating from the essential things in life. Go back to the essentials. Put relationships, values, God, relationship with God, with people, kindness, patience, compassion, as a priority,” said Ms. Lavigne.

“I love the dance. I was hurt when I saw people persecuted because I know a lot of people are persecuted for their faith, their belief in God. I know that’s a reality and that makes me sad, but I know faith overcomes. [It is] always virtuous. God has power over everything. We can’t kill faith, we can’t kill eternity, we can’t kill life, hope,” said Ms. Lavigne.

Ms. Lavigne, who is Christian, said she agreed that the divine has always existed and can appear in different forms.

“Yes, this is a very ancient belief and it can take different shapes, but God was always there, He was there before us,” she said.

As someone who previously had experience with dance, Ms. Lavigne shared that she enjoyed every aspect of the performance.