LAS VEGAS—When educator and psychologist Mara Taylor saw Shen Yun Performing Arts’ colorful ads on television, she was not expecting more than beautiful dancing. She and her friend Mark Winer, a retired photographer, at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 25, and after seeing the performance, Ms. Taylor was delighted to discover that Shen Yun was more than she had expected.

“Absolutely phenomenal, extraordinary, moving, inspiring,” was Ms. Taylor’s description of Shen Yun. “Everything, … [from] the individuals who are performing to the orchestra—everybody is in sync, everybody is united with the same mission, and it’s very beautiful.”

Shen Yun’s program includes story dances, some of which are set in modern-day China and depict the communist government’s persecution of followers of Falun Dafa, a spiritual practice that teaches the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.

Ms. Taylor, founder and executive of a rehabilitation nonprofit, thought that the principles were beautiful and universal. She said she resonated with them very much and that “we need to see more of them.”

“It breaks my heart, and I’m so happy to see the message being given to so many. It’s phenomenal,” she said.

“I loved it when he said evolution and atheism is the culprit,” said Mr. Winer. “True, if you don’t believe in something, you believe in nothing. That causes problems, so yes, I think it was fantastic.”

“I love the divine aspect,” said Mr. Winer. “I’m only sorry that it’s not allowed to be shown in China.”