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Remarkable Achievement and Inspiration: Nearly 70 Elected Officials Welcome Shen Yun’s Return to New York

March 25, 2026 |   By a Minghui correspondent

(Minghui.org) Shen Yun Performing Arts, the world’s premier Classical Chinese dance company, based in Upstate New York, is returning to the David H. Koch Theater in Manhattan to present 18 performances between March 25 and April 12, 2026. Nearly 70 elected officials issued proclamations or congratulatory letters wishing the company great success in this year’s performances. Commendations have been received from US congressional members, state-level legislators, and local officials.

In their proclamations and congratulatory letters, officials praised Shen Yun’s accomplishments. In particular they applauded the company’s 20-year legacy and commended Shen Yun’s Artistic Director, D.F., as well as the artists, for their talent.

Through profound, pure, and exquisite artistry, Shen Yun’s magnificent stage productions uphold traditional values, enrich community culture, and bring beauty and hope to audiences around the world.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins, President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, recognized Shen Yun Performing Arts as, “an organization worthy of highest respect and esteem” in her proclamation. Along with all the residents of New York State, she declared March 25, 2026, “Shen Yun Performing Arts Day.”

US Congressional Members: Immeasurable and Brilliant Achievements

Proclamations and congratulatory letters for Shen Yun were received from US Congressional members (In order of district, from top to bottom and left to right): Representative Andrew Reed Garbarino (2nd District); Representative Grace Meng (6th District); Representative Nicole Malliotakis (11th District); Representative Patrick Ryan (18th District); and Representative Elise Stefanik (21st District).

Representative Andrew Reed Garbarino, representing New York’s 2nd Congressional District, presented Shen Yun with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition “In recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community.”

In her congratulatory letter, Representative Grace Meng (6th Congressional District) wrote, “This year marks the 20th Anniversary of world-class artistry hosted in the great City of New York. For two decades, audiences in New York City have enjoyed the opportunity to experience these outstanding performances. “Featuring a rich blend of classical Chinese dance, a live orchestra, digital backdrops, and handmade costumes, and program brings to life stories inspired by legends, history, and cultural traditions, celebrating the beauty and diversity of performing arts. Please accept my best wishes for a memorable event and much continued success!”

Representative Nicole Malliotakis of New York’s 11th Congressional District presented Shen Yun Performing Arts with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition “in recognition of the Twentieth Anniversary of Shen Yun Performing Arts and its return to New York for a series of performances at Lincoln Center. “For two decades, Shen Yun has demonstrated a commitment to artistic excellence through classical Chinese dance and music, enriching audiences and celebrating cultural heritage. Best wishes for continued success and inspiring performances.” 

Representative Patrick Ryan, of New York’s 18th Congressional District wrote, “Founded in New York in 2006, Shen Yun Performing Arts has grown into the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, captivating audiences across the globe. Over the past two decades, Shen Yun has demonstrated unwavering dedication to artistic excellence, cultural preservation, and storytelling rooted in traditional Chinese values, often in the face of significant challenges. Their work reflects a deep commitment to reviving and sharing a rich cultural heritage with audiences of all backgrounds.

“Through breathtaking classical Chinese dance, a live orchestra blending Eastern and Western musical traditions, vibrant costumes, and innovative digital backdrops, Shen Yun brings ancient stories and traditions to life. Each season’s new production offers audiences a window into themes of beauty, compassion, resilience, and freedom, messages that resonate universally and transcend borders.

“Shen Yun’s impact extends far beyond the stage. Performing to sold-out audiences at many of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Palais des Congrès in Paris, the company has reached millions of people across five continents. Its continued success speaks to the power of the arts to connect people, inspire reflection, and foster greater understanding across cultures.

“As Shen Yun moves to New York to celebrate this milestone anniversary, I want to recognize the extraordinary dedication of its dancers, musicians, choreographers, and the entire Shen Yun team. Their commitment to artistic integrity and cultural storytelling enriches not only New York City, but every community they visit.

“I extend my congratulations to Shen Yun Performing Arts on twenty years of achievement and wish them continued success during their 2026 season and in the years to come.”

State Legislators: “A Beacon Through Your Vital and Selfless Contributions”

More than 20 members of the New York State Senate and House of Representatives issued proclamations and congratulatory letters to praise Shen Yun’s extraordinary achievements and wish the performance complete success. (Composite image courtesy The Epoch Times)

More than twenty members of the New York State Senate and Assembly issued proclamations or congratulatory letters for Shen Yun. They are (In order of district, from top to bottom, left to right): 3rd District State Senator Dean Murray; 7th District State Senator Jack Martins; 17th District State Senator Steve Chan; 19th District State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud; 24th District State Senator Andrew Lanza; 35th District State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins; 42nd District State Senator James G. Skoufis; 43rd District State Senator Jake Ashby; 51st District State Senator Peter Oberacker; 2nd District State Representative Jodi Giglio; 5th District State Representative Doug Smith Smith); State Representative Jarrett Gandolfo (7th District); State Representative Michael J. Fitzpatrick (8th District); State Representative Michael Durso (9th District); State Representative Daniel Norber (16th District); State Representative John K. Mikulin (17th District); State Representative Edward P. RA (19th District); State Representative Ron Kim (40th District); State Representative Alec Brook-Krasny (46th District); State Representative Karl A. Brabenec (98th District); State Representative Paula Kay (100th District); State Representative Scott Bendt (107th District) Bendett); State Representative John T. McDonald III (108th District); and State Representative Joseph G. Angelino (121st District).

New York State Senator Jack M. Martins of the 7th District commended Shen Yun in his proclamation: “In 2026, Shen Yun Performing Arts marks its 20th Anniversary, celebrating 20 years of unwavering dedication, artistic achievement, and perseverance, often in the face of tremendous odds.”

New York State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, who also chairs the State Senate Committee on Social Services, sent a congratulatory message to Shen Yun: “It is my sincere wish that this year’s celebration exceeds your high expectations, and is enjoyable for all. Continue to be a beacon through your vital and selfless contributions. May your journey be met with victories and great success.”

In her proclamation, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the New York State Senate Pro Tempore and Majority Leader for the 35th District, wrote, “It is the practice of the New York State Senate to publicly acknowledge individuals who serve the best interests of their community; and, thus, we recognize Shen Yun Performing Arts for exemplary service within the Community and State upon the occasion of their 20th Anniversary and return to the David H. Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center.

“When organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, it is appropriate to publicly honor that individual so that others may emulate their commitment and virtue,” she continued. “I, New York State Senator and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, hereby recognize that in Shen Yun Performing Arts, we have an organization worthy of highest respect and esteem, and will join the residents of the State of New York to proclaim this day, May 25, 2026, Shen Yun Performing Arts Day.”

Orange County Executive and 39 Other Local Officials: Outstanding Achievements That Deserve the Highest Praise

Forty local officials from New York State, including several New York City council members, as well as elected officials from various counties, cities, and towns, presented commendations and letters to Shen Yun, expressing their deep admiration for the company’s world-renowned achievements and unique contributions over the past 20 years, and wishing the 18 performances at the David H. Koch Theater this season a complete success. (Composite image courtesy The Epoch Times)

New York City Council Member Christopher Marte wrote in his City Council Citation for District 1, “A great city is only as great as those persons who give exemplary service to their communities, whether through unique personal achievement in their professional or other endeavors or simply through a lifetime of philanthropy and community service.

“As a duty elected member of the New York City Council, I recognize that in Shen Yun Performing Arts, the Beauty of Divine Beings Dancing, the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, we have an outstanding citizen, one whom is worthy of the esteem of both our community and the great City of New York.”

Phil Wong, Chinese-American city council member for the 30th District, wrote in his proclamation that he is “proud to honor Shen Yun Performing Arts for its many contributions to our community. Shen Yun’s stated mission is to revive the cultural heritage of China as it existed before major periods of suppression, and to celebrate values drawn from thousands of years of traditional civilization, including themes of virtue, resilience, and harmony. Its productions explore everything from mythological legends and historical figures to ancient philosophies and spiritual tradition.

“Shen Yun’s work reflects one facet of New York City’s dynamic and multifaceted arts landscape. Its performances contribute to the ongoing public dialogue around the role of traditional culture, artistic expression, and freedom of belief in the modern world,” the proclamation concluded. “Phil Wong, Council Member of the 30th District, gratefully honors Shen Yun Performing Arts for its outstanding commitment to celebrating classical Chinese dance and music and its singular contributions to the global performing arts stage.”

Steven Neuhaus, County Executive of Orange County, New York, where Shen Yun Performing Arts is headquartered, presented Shen Yun Performing Arts with a proclamation and congratulated the company on its extraordinary 20-year journey:

“Whereas, Shen Yun Performing Arts was founded twenty years ago with the mission of reviving and sharing the beauty, wisdom, and moral values of traditional Chinese culture, spanning five thousand of years of history; and

“Whereas, since its founding, Shen Yun Performing Arts has grown into a world-renowned classical Chinese dance and music company, captivating audiences across continents through exceptional artistry, original orchestral compositions, and breathtaking performances; and

“Whereas, the artists of Shen Yun demonstrate extraordinary dedication, discipline, and cultural excellence, using classical Chinese dance and music to convey timeless stories that uplift the human spirit and celebrate virtues such as compassion, courage, and harmony; and

“Whereas, for two decades, Shen Yun Performing Arts has served as a bridge between cultures, fostering greater understanding, respect, and appreciation among people of diverse backgrounds; and

“Whereas, the 20th Anniversary of Shen Yun Performing Arts marks a significant milestone in its enduring commitment to artistic integrity, cultural preservation, and the enrichment of communities worldwide;

“Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that, I, Steven M. Neuhaus, do hereby recognize: Shen Yun Performing Arts 20th Anniversary and I encourage all residents to join in celebrating this remarkable achievement and the inspiration Shen Yun brings to audiences around the world.”

For more information about Shen Yun or to purchase tickets for the performances in New York:

Tickets can be purchased at: shenyun.com/ny (Shen Yun Performing Arts official ticketing website)Ticketing hotline: 888-90-SHOWS or 888-974-3698; Group tickets (10 or more): Call the hotline or email: group@tcr.centerDavid H. Koch Theater: 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023