TORONTO—Shen Yun Performing Arts made a grand return to Toronto at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts on March 28, opening with two sold-out shows on its first day. The classical Chinese dance performances ended with thunderous applause and a standing ovation, with the artists returning to the stage for multiple curtain calls.

Among the Chinese theatregoers were those from Taiwan and Hong Kong, many of whom were both moved and proud to see Shen Yun bringing China’s traditional culture to the global stage. They expressed deep admiration for how the performance showcased the splendor of China’s heritage, conveying not only artistry but also the profound values and virtues of the Chinese civilization.

Ethan Liao, deputy director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto, delivered a brief speech before the evening performance on behalf of the director general of his office.

Following the show, Mr. Liao praised the performance as “truly outstanding,” noting that he was moved by every piece.

“The performance conveys traditional virtues in a very profound way. These are values we should all protect,” Mr. Liao said. “The inherent traditions and kindness in Chinese culture are worth preserving together—they represent a cultural legacy that benefits not only China, but the entire world.”

Mr. Liao emphasized that the moral virtues embedded in Chinese culture have endured through the ages and should continue to be upheld today.

“Sincerity, peace, and kindness are universal values that will always endure,” he said, adding that the performance inspires goodwill in people. “Truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance—these virtues benefit everyone.”

For thousands of years, Chinese culture was deeply spiritual in nature. That changed only in recent decades under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) with its promotion of atheism. Through its dance narratives portraying present-day China, Shen Yun vividly brings this stark and poignant contrast to the stage.

Turning to Shen Yun’s depiction of the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China, Mr. Liao observed: “The issues in China today need to be faced. Presenting them through art, as Shen Yun does, is a very effective approach—it helps awaken people’s conscience.”

Mr. Liao praised Shen Yun’s effort to raise awareness of the situation in China, noting, “It is something that really deserves everyone’s attention.”

Also in attendance was Maggie Lin, founding president of the Canada-Taiwan Economic & Cultural Development Association. Watching Shen Yun for the second time, she spoke highly of the performance. “The show was excellent! Culture is the best bridge of communication. Shen Yun uses dance and music to express Chinese culture—it’s deeply moving,” she said.

Shen Yun brings forth fresh creativity every year, combining traditional culture with modern technology in a compelling way, Ms. Lin said.

Commenting on the dance-story depiction of the persecution of Falun Gong, Ms. Lin noted that people in Taiwan are able to express themselves freely. “When I saw that Falun Gong practitioners are subjected to unfair and cruel treatment under the Chinese communist regime, it made me feel very saddened,” she said.

She said there were some scenes that especially moved her. “The moment when the Buddha’s light shone down was very touching. And in the dance showing a practitioner losing his eyesight, the mother praying to the divine really affected me. As a mother myself, I could feel her pain,” she shared.

Ms. Lin praised Shen Yun for bringing the depth of Chinese cultural heritage to life. “Chinese culture has a history of 5,000 years. We should not allow it to be diminished or distorted because of the damage caused by the Communist Party,” she said.

Antony Kam, president of the Toronto Chapter of the Overseas Chinese Association, also attended the performance and praised its exceptional artistry. “The artistic level is very high. Every dancer on stage has a strong foundation—it’s clear they have put in tremendous effort. As the saying goes, ‘one minute on stage takes 10 years of work off stage.’ The overall arrangement of the performance was also excellent,” he said.

Mr. Kam also reflected on Shen Yun’s global reach. With eight companies touring worldwide, the scale exceeded his expectations. “They are carrying forward Chinese culture,” he said. “Our 5,000-year heritage should especially be preserved in the Western world through Shen Yun. I hope the artists will continue their great work and keep promoting Chinese culture—this is truly the best thing”