By Xiao Ran, Vision Times
On March 21, the acclaimed Shen Yun New Era Performing Arts troupe kicked off its 2025 Canadian tour at the Mississauga Living Arts Centre with a sold-out performance. This premiere marked the start of a month-long journey, with 38 shows scheduled across nine cities throughout Canada.
Founded in 2006, Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company. Based in New York, the company aims to revive traditional culture and values through breathtaking performances in dance and music — all while showcasing what China was like prior to the ravages of communist rule. The company currently has eight equally-sized troupes that tour and perform across the globe simultaneously.
The evening featured appearances by Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, and a representative from the Mayor of Mississauga’s office, who offered commendations recognizing Shen Yun’s dedication to reviving 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and promoting universal values. Throughout the evening, congratulatory letters and accolades from federal, provincial, and municipal leaders continued to arrive, highlighting Shen Yun’s impact on Canada’s vibrant multicultural tapestry. Here’s what they had to say:
Sold out performances, high praise
The opening night mesmerized audiences with Shen Yun’s breathtaking blend of classical Chinese dance, an East-West orchestral fusion, and innovative digital backdrops — bringing ancient Chinese civilization vividly to life and drawing repeated rounds of applause. Representing Minister Kusendova-Bashta, who serves as the provincial MPP for Mississauga Centre, her office director Beata Cieslak-Szewczyk attended the show and presented a formal commendation to Shen Yun’s organizers.
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Mississauga Deputy Mayor John Kovac, attending on behalf of Mayor Carolyn Parrish, also delivered a commendation in person and stayed to watch the performance.
In her letter, Minister Kusendova-Bashta wrote: “It is with great honor that I extend my warmest greetings to the audience watching Shen Yun in my riding.” She commended the company for “magnificently showcasing the rich culture of China before communism through Chinese classical dance, music, and drama,” noting its resonance with “universal values such as compassion, courage, and hope.”
She continued, “I commend Shen Yun’s unwavering dedication to promoting China’s splendid culture; your commitment to advancing artistic excellence is truly admirable. Shen Yun is a world-class performance, and I wish for audiences to rediscover the beauty of multiculturalism. May the organizers, artists, and audience enjoy an unforgettable and uplifting experience.”
‘Flawless’
After presenting the letter and experiencing the performance, Beata Cieslak-Szewczyk also expressed her awe at the beautiful visuals and costumes. “Absolutely stunning! I really loved it. I loved the costumes—[the dancers’] graceful movements were intoxicating. It was flawless. I especially adored the costumes; I wanted to reach out and touch them, they were so beautiful.”
Cieslak-Szewczyk was also taken by the musical elements. “The music was so captivating and enchanting,” she told reporters. “I kept watching how the orchestra played. Every five minutes, I’d glance at the pit — I loved their performance.” She also praised the high-tech visuals. “The visual effects were so unique, with the backdrop and performers blending seamlessly — it was truly astonishing.”
One of the defining features of Shen Yun performances is its use of high-tech digital backdrops. The backdrops are synchronized with the live performers to create an illusion of seamless transitions between different scenes and locations. This helps to transport the audience to a world of ancient China — full of vibrant landscapes and awe-inspiring landmarks.
Concluding her remarks, she said, “The beautiful colors lifted my spirits,” and promised to recommend the show to her friends and family.
‘Like a miracle’
Deputy Mayor John Kovac described the performance as “wondrously incredible, like a miracle — radiant and dazzlingly colorful.” He observed, “Every audience member was smiling, fully engrossed in the dancers’ spectacular artistry, their masterful techniques, expressive charm, and profound artistry.”
Kovac highlighted the immersive experience created by the performers and digital backdrops: “It felt so immersive. No other performing arts group can achieve such precision. I was deeply moved.” Having previously attended in 2019, Kovac said Shen Yun’s energy was as powerful as ever. This time, he felt an even deeper connection, reflecting, “(Chinese traditional) culture is captivating, shining in a magical and unforgettable way.”
He emphasized Shen Yun’s importance to the community: “Having Shen Yun perform here is like heaven descending. So many people—not just those of Chinese descent, but everyone—can bask in the wondrous light Shen Yun radiates. It makes our city better and holds immense meaning for all.” Representing the mayor and city council, he wished Shen Yun “success that endures through the years, forever celebrated.”
Kovac was especially touched by the piece “The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl,” calling it “truly beautiful,” and said the hosts’ introductions added great value: “the cherry on top.” He also found the opening number about life’s origin profoundly resonant: “Absolutely, our souls are eternal and will return to where we began.”
Shen Yun’s cultural contribution
Shen Yun’s arrival in Canada sparked praise from national political leaders, who honored the troupe’s mission to revive traditional culture and promote values of freedom and compassion, even in the face of adversity from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Green Party Co-Leader Elizabeth May wrote: “Your tireless efforts ensure the success of each annual tour.”
Acknowledging the CCP’s opposition to Shen Yun and Falun Gong, she praised the troupe’s resilience: “Despite persecution from the CCP-led global anti-Falun Gong/Shen Yun campaign—including unprecedented threats and misinformation — Shen Yun persists in spreading values of compassion, freedom, and cultural diversity. These performances embody 5,000 years of rich Chinese art and culture.” She wished Shen Yun “success and peace” for the 2025–2026 season.
MP Marilyn Gladu described Shen Yun as “the world’s premier Chinese classical dance and music company,” applauding its effort to “celebrate the brilliance of China’s 5,000-year divine culture” and restore a heritage nearly lost under communist rule. She added, “This extraordinary performance takes audiences on a breathtaking dramatic journey, perfectly blending tradition with universal values like compassion, courage, and freedom — principles that deeply resonate with Canadian values.” She encouraged everyone to attend, while wishing Shen Yun “complete success.”
Not taking freedoms for granted
MP Brad Vis praised Shen Yun for “beautifully showcasing ancient China’s rich cultural and artistic traditions with exquisite artistry,” and emphasized its global impact since its debut more than a decade ago. “Freedom of speech, belief, and cultural celebration are core Canadian values,” he wrote. “No one should face threats or intimidation for sharing their heritage.”
Shen Yun’s performances aim not only to entertain; they also educate audiences on important social and political issues taking place in China today. The performances aim to raise awareness on human rights’ issues to provide a unique perspective on the human spirit and the importance of not taking certain freedoms for granted.
One of the storylines the show touches upon is the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a spiritual practice that combines meditation exercises with a moral philosophy based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance (真善忍). Many of Shen Yun’s performers are children of Falun Gong practitioners, or practice the discipline themselves.
After becoming widely popular in China in the 1990s — with millions of people, including high-ranking government officials taking up the practice — the communist authorities launched a brutal persecution campaign to eradicate the practice in July 1999. Since then, many Falun Gong adherents have died at the hands of Chinese police for refusing to renounce their faith.
MP Michael Cooper echoed these sentiments, calling Shen Yun “a cultural feast, highlighting the beauty and wonder of pre-communist China.” He added, “Shen Yun is closely tied to Falun Dafa, whose practitioners have faced brutal persecution from the CCP for 25 years. Yet Falun Dafa transcends cultural and national boundaries, bringing spiritual peace to millions worldwide.”
VIPS across Canada commend Shen Yun
From coast to coast, local and provincial leaders joined in celebrating Shen Yun’s return to Canada. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith extended a warm welcome on behalf of the province: “Art is a vital part of our culture and economy, and this splendid (Shen Yun) performance offers Albertans a wonderful opportunity to experience Chinese culture and legends through music and dance.” She wished the tour “complete success.”
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek shared her appreciation: “We are immensely grateful for your invitation to join this historical journey through 5,000 years of China’s rich heritage. From the moment the curtain rises, this astonishing performance will be unforgettable, immersing all attendees in the spirit of community, friendship, and tradition—values cherished by Calgarians and you alike.”
West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager called it “a rare opportunity” to witness such a performance: “Experiencing a performance inspired by 5,000 years of Chinese tradition is a rare opportunity. This show exemplifies the essence of traditional culture through exceptional artistic talent.”
Inspiring youth through tradition and hope
Members of Parliament emphasized the lasting impact Shen Yun has on Canadian youth and multicultural identity. MP Greg McLean applauded the performance for “embracing Canada’s multiculturalism from coast to coast while showcasing China’s rich and ancient history.”
He added, “Your message of hope and resilience inspires the younger generation, giving them faith that their culture and traditions can thrive in Canada’s wonderful multicultural tapestry. May this year’s Shen Yun rekindle an optimistic spirit, motivating youth to preserve these traditional values’ essence for generations.”
MP Dane Lloyd echoed that view: “Shen Yun’s celebration of ancient Chinese wisdom — embodying compassion, courage, and hope — reflects values Canadians cherish. In an era of uncertainty and rapid cultural change, Shen Yun presents tradition, beauty, poetry, freedom, and imagination in a stunning way.”
Beyond its artistry, Shen Yun’s cultural revival is a beacon of universal values, and a testament to freedom of expression. “Shen Yun’s 19-year journey speaks to its success and the artists’ dedication,” said Deputy Mayor Kovac. Minister Kusendova-Bashta echoed those sentiments, saying, “Shen Yun is a world-class performance, worthy of every audience’s experience.”
