As Shen Yun Performing Arts launches its 2011 world tour, the company has received recognition from top government officials in the United States and Canada.

In Texas, the first stop of Shen Yun’s New York Company, many elected officials from all levels of government attended performances and sent proclamations and letters of congratulation.

U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson: “The richness and diversity of Chinese culture, as reflected and celebrated by Shen Yun Performing Arts, is extraordinary.”

House Representative Kenny Marchant: “It is with deep admiration that I applaud Shen Yun for its commitment to human rights in China.” Texas State Representative Eric Johnson and State Senators Royce West and John Carona extended greetings, as did the mayors of Arlington, Addison, Carrollton, Garland, Irving and many other cities.

Meanwhile, Shen Yun’s Touring Company arrived in Ottawa to an enthusiastic welcome, including from Canadian officials there.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper sent a message ahead of the season premier stating: “I am certain that everyone in attendance will enjoy this splendid celebration of Chinese heritage and culture. Best wishes for a most memorable experience.”

“This world-class production,” wrote Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, “is a unique opportunity as well for Canada’s citizens of Chinese ancestry and the broader population to come together…to be entertained by internationally acclaimed Chinese performers, including talented artists from the West.”

Governor General David Lloyd Johnston wrote a letter thanking Shen Yun and the local organizers. “The vibrant content that traditional cultures have bestowed upon us is the root of humanity,” he said, “Shen Yun Performing Arts is always bringing us new enlightenment.”

Local organizers explained that although this year’s performances were scheduled during the busy holiday period, the curtain opened to a full house and an elated audience.

“We’re speechless watching this,” said Ottawa City Councilor Allan Hubley. “The detail in the costumes was just amazing—it just takes your attention.”

City Councilor-elect Katherine Hobbs described her reaction to seeing the dancers in the first scene: “As the curtain slowly lifted, they were floating amidst the clouds. It was so incredible to watch.”

Former Canadian poet laureate Cyril Dabydeen came to see the show for the fourth straight year. “The performance surpasses the level of our current society’s morality,” he said, “it’s very inspirational. It gave me a longing to lead such a spiritual life. This was a very important message for me.”

One of the distinguished guests in the Ottawa audience was former Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific David Kilgour. “I didn’t think it could get better, but I think it’s getting better each year,” Mr. Kilgour said. “I had high expectations when I came, but I’ve been enormously pleased by what I saw… I was just swept away by it all, and from the applause, everybody seemed to have exactly the same reaction.”

“Someday we’ll have to take the show to China,” he said. “I can hardly wait for when that day comes, and I’m sure it’s going to come soon.”

December 28, 2010