On Feb. 13, renowned dance artist and Fei Tian College professor Tia Zhang (Zhang Tiejun) was awarded the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal at Toronto’s City Hall. This prestigious honor recognizes her exceptional efforts in promoting traditional Chinese culture, advocating for the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and contributing to Canada’s multi-cultural fabric.
The medal was presented on behalf of the federal government by Canadian Member of Parliament Kevin Vuong and officially registered with the Office of the Governor General of Canada.
About the King Charles III Medal
Established in May 2023 to commemorate King Charles III’s coronation, the Coronation Medal ranks just below the Order of Merit and the Order of Canada. It is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to Canadian society, recognizing excellence in their fields, societal impact, and the honor they bring to the nation. Since 1967, Canada has issued such commemorative medals only six times.
During the ceremony, MP Kevin Vuong praised Tia Zhang’s well-earned recognition and activism within the community. “Toronto is a major city for Shen Yun performances, and through Tia’s efforts, audiences worldwide have witnessed the beauty of Chinese culture,” said Vuong, adding, “As both a Torontonian and a Canadian, I am immensely proud.”
As a Chinese-Canadian, Vuong also expressed his deep appreciation for Zhang’s contributions. “She has not only helped global audiences understand authentic Chinese culture but also helped me reconnect with my own Chinese heritage and identity.”
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In April 2024, Vuong attended Shen Yun and was profoundly moved by its artistic excellence and cultural depth, telling reporters that he felt fortunate to experience the performance. “Witnessing such a breathtaking artistic experience in person was one of the most fortunate moments of my life,” he said.
Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music performance, bringing to life 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture and heritage to audiences across the globe. Founded in 2006 and based in New York, Shen Yun has since expanded from a single troupe to eight equally-sized troupes that tour and perform across the globe simultaneously.
Reflecting on the honor, Zhang emphasized that this recognition goes beyond personal achievement — it underscores Shen Yun’s mission to revive traditional culture and share universal values. “I am incredibly grateful to be part of Shen Yun,” said Zhang. “Studying under Shen Yun’s Artistic Director has deepened my understanding of traditional culture and Chinese classical dance, enriching me both artistically and spiritually. This is truly a blessing beyond words.”
A legacy of cultural preservation
A distinguished dance artist, Zhang graduated from Beijing Dance Academy — China’s most prestigious dance institution, where she later became an instructor, mentoring many talented dancers. More than 40 years ago, she immigrated to Canada and spent over 20 years teaching at the National Ballet School of Canada, training elite dancers and spearheading innovative programs that nurtured the next generation of performers.
Despite her professional success, Zhang’s life took a difficult turn in 1996 when she lost her husband, plunging her into a personal crisis. In her darkest moment, she found Falun Dafa, which gave her a newfound sense of clarity and purpose. “Without Falun Gong, I wouldn’t be who I am today,” she said.
After embracing the practice, Zhang dedicated herself to sharing its principles and traditional Chinese culture with Canadians. She immersed herself in community initiatives, organizing and participating in numerous artistic performances. She also founded the Lotus Arts Troupe in Toronto, whose core members later joined Shen Yun Performing Arts.
In recognition of her contributions, the Toronto City Government honored her with the Canada Day Outstanding Achievement Award in 2002.
Falun Dafa, (法輪大法), also known as Falun Gong, is a Chinese spiritual practice that combines meditation exercises with a moral philosophy based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance (真善忍). The practice gained enormous popularity in both China and beyond — attracting tens of millions of adherents since being introduced to the public in 1992.
But in July 1999, after seeing its rapid rise in popularity as a threat to its authoritarian regime, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a massive campaign to eradicate the practice — incarcerating millions of people over the following decades. Thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have since died from torture and abuse, with the number still on the rise.
MORE ON THIS: Communist China Aims for a ‘Fatal Blow’ Against Falun Gong on US Soil
A driving force behind Shen Yun’s success
Since joining Shen Yun, Zhang has been instrumental in its mission, leading tours across Europe, North America, and Asia. She has witnessed firsthand Shen Yun’s rapid growth, widespread acclaim, and profound impact on audiences worldwide.
Many viewers have shared how Shen Yun’s performances resonated deeply, purifying their hearts, offering new perspectives on life, and reinforcing universal values. Some were even moved to tears, describing a profound spiritual awakening and sense of purpose. “Seeing these heartfelt responses makes all our efforts worthwhile,” said Zhang.
She further explained that many of Shen Yun’s dancers and musicians excel because they strive to live by the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance and hold themselves to the highest moral standards. This moral compass makes their performances all the more powerful and moving.
Today, Zhang continues her lifelong dedication to traditional Chinese culture as a professor at Fei Tian College and Academy of the Arts.
Political leaders commend Zhang
MPs from multiple political parties extended their congratulations, applauding Zhang for her remarkable contributions to the arts, her promotion of universal values, and her dedication to human rights and social justice.
Melissa Lantsman, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, wrote: “Through your work in dance and Shen Yun, you have preserved a precious cultural heritage, inspiring and uplifting millions of audience members. Your contributions shine not only in the arts but also in defending universal values.”
“At a time when Shen Yun and Falun Gong face malicious attacks, your achievements are especially commendable. These attacks seek to suppress freedom and human rights, but your perseverance ensures these values endure. As long as we continue to dance, tell our stories, and spread joy, those who seek to silence us will never succeed.”
Judy Sgro, Liberal MP and Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Falun Gong, wrote: “Guided by the profound values of Falun Dafa, your efforts have brought inspiration and hope to audiences worldwide.”
“Your previous Canada Day Outstanding Achievement Award already recognized your tireless dedication, selfless contributions, and passion for promoting Chinese culture. This latest honor further underscores your profound impact on both the arts and society at large,” the letter stated, adding, “I am incredibly proud of your accomplishments and look forward to seeing Shen Yun continue to flourish as a powerful cultural force that touches millions worldwide.”
Garnett Genuis, Conservative MP and Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Falun Gong, also congratulated Zhang on receiving this well-deserved recognition: “Through your work at Fei Tian Academy of the Arts, Falun Dafa, and the National Ballet School of Canada, you have made a profound impact in preserving and sharing traditional culture.”
He added, “Your role in Shen Yun has allowed global audiences to witness the beauty of Chinese culture. Your contributions not only protect this invaluable heritage but also uphold Canada’s core values of freedom and justice.”
Genuis also praised her unwavering efforts in opposing persecution and advocating for human rights.
Toronto City Councillor James Pasternak expressed his admiration in a congratulatory letter: “This honor is a testament to your extraordinary dedication, leadership, and contributions to the community. Your 60-year career in the performing arts has left a lasting impact, and this recognition affirms your remarkable achievements.”
In 2025, Shen Yun is set to reach new milestones, staging approximately 800 performances in more than 200 cities across five continents. In several European cities, tickets are already selling out at record speed.
“Many audience members have told me they waited years for the chance to see Shen Yun. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” said Zhang, as she shared her hopes for more people to experience the beauty and grace of divinely-inspired culture through Shen Yun.
