By Xiao Ran, Vision Times
As Shen Yun Performing Arts marks its 20th anniversary, the renowned New York–based company has received widespread recognition and praise from Canadian officials at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels during its 2026 tour. Many officials issued congratulatory letters, recorded welcome messages, or attended performances in person, praising Shen Yun for reviving traditional Chinese culture and sharing universal values with audiences across Canada.
Founded in 2006, Shen Yun is dedicated to reviving China’s five millennia of traditional culture through classical Chinese dance, live orchestral music, and spell-binding innovative digital backdrops. The company arrived in Canada on March 12 to kick off a month-long tour featuring 21 performances.
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Officials commended Shen Yun for promoting values such as compassion, courage, loyalty, and freedom while delivering a powerful artistic experience.
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On the evening of March 12, Ned Kuruc, Member of Parliament for Hamilton East–Stoney Creek, attended Shen Yun’s opening performance in Canada and presented the artists with a formal commendation.
“In the past twenty years, Shen Yun has captivated audiences around the world with breathtaking classical Chinese dance, music, and storytelling, reviving and presenting 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and cultural heritage,” Kuruc wrote in his letter. “Your dedication to preserving and sharing Chinese traditions through the performing arts has inspired countless people across continents. Thank you for your invaluable contribution.”
After watching the performance, Kuruc said the show broadened his understanding of Chinese culture. “The performance was eye-opening. In the Western world, we rarely have the opportunity to see something like this, so I encourage everyone to come and watch,” he said. “China has one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, yet much of its history has been erased. Shen Yun does an excellent job. Sitting back and traveling through history with the performance is a wonderful experience.”
Kuruc also congratulated Shen Yun on its 20th anniversary, calling it a significant milestone. “This remarkable achievement has endured for two decades because audiences truly appreciate it. That is the most valuable recognition,” he said. “I hope this legend continues for many more decades to come.”
Another federal lawmaker, Dan Muys, MP for Flamborough–Glanbrook, recorded a video message welcoming Shen Yun back to Canada. “Through exquisite dance, music, and storytelling, Shen Yun showcases the beauty of thousands of years of traditional Chinese culture,” Muys said. “These traditions reflect values such as compassion, courage, and reverence for the divine. These values resonate deeply with people in Canada and around the world.”
Muys also expressed admiration for Shen Yun’s artists, noting that many are practitioners of Falun Gong, and emphasized the importance of freedom of belief and cultural expression.
MP Yvan Baker described Shen Yun as “a cultural and artistic feast,” giving audiences a rare opportunity to experience traditional Chinese art and heritage. Through music and dance, he noted, the performance conveys values treasured across generations, including compassion, resilience, and harmony.
MP Connie Cody also congratulated Shen Yun on its anniversary, writing, “This milestone reminds us of the extraordinary power of art; it connects people, inspires the human spirit, and brings beauty into our busy lives.”
MP Kelly DeRidder praised Shen Yun in a video message, saying the company’s dedication to reviving traditional Chinese culture while promoting universal values has resonated with Canadians from all walks of life. “For 20 years, you have pursued artistic excellence and shown extraordinary resilience in the face of challenges,” DeRidder said.
Ontario legislators applaud SY’s cultural impact
Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament Sheref Sabawy attended Shen Yun’s performance at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga on March 14 and presented the company with a certificate of recognition. “I extend my sincere congratulations to Shen Yun Performing Arts on its 20th anniversary,” Sabawy wrote in the commendation. “The achievements of Shen Yun reflect your dedication to the arts, perseverance, and pursuit of excellence.”
After watching the performance, Sabawy said he attends Shen Yun every year. “Each performance is impressive and meaningful,” he said. “The fact that Shen Yun has reached its 20th anniversary is itself powerful testimony; artists with a vision have turned that vision into a truly beautiful production.”
He added that the performance demonstrates the strength of artistic expression and freedom. “The level of production is truly breathtaking,” Sabawy said.
Ontario MPP Rudy Cuzzetto also thanked Shen Yun for reviving and sharing traditional Chinese culture with audiences in more than 150 cities worldwide. Through music and classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun celebrates timeless values including “compassion, courage, loyalty, freedom, and reverence,” he wrote, noting that these values transcend cultures and generations.
MPP Natalia Kusendova-Bashta likewise praised Shen Yun’s commitment to reviving China’s cultural heritage and sharing its enduring values with global audiences. She said the 20th anniversary celebration highlights the importance of cultural diversity and Shen Yun’s positive contribution to communities.
Mississauga leaders celebrate SY’s global success
Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish also sent a congratulatory message recognizing Shen Yun’s global influence. “Over the past 20 years, Shen Yun has become the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company,” Parrish wrote. “Shen Yun’s performances have attracted more than a million audience members across five continents, and its reputation is well deserved.”
She praised Shen Yun’s eight touring companies for delivering inspiring performances that bring hope and spiritual uplift to audiences worldwide.
Deputy Mayor John Kovac attended the performance and presented a commendation to the artists. “Knowing the significant challenges Shen Yun faces, your resilience and dedication to preserving traditional culture are truly admirable,” Kovac wrote.
After the show, he encouraged the performers to consider Mississauga their home. “This city is not only my home, it is your home as well,” Kovac said. “For the past decade, you have returned here every year, and residents have the opportunity to be inspired, educated, and moved by the beauty of your performances.”
Mississauga City Councillor Brad Butt, a longtime supporter of Shen Yun, also attended and presented a commendation. “For the past 20 years, Shen Yun has carried out its mission to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture through classical dance, live orchestral music, and stunning digital backdrops,” Butt wrote. “We are honored to host such a world-class performance.” He added that Shen Yun is not only an artistic spectacle but also “a vivid lesson in Chinese history and culture.”
Shen Yun’s current Canadian tour has already completed six performances in Hamilton and Mississauga. Upcoming shows will take place in Waterloo on March 24 and 25, followed by eight performances in Toronto from March 28 to April 5 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.
For more information, including ticket availability and other FAQs, please visit Shen Yun’s official site here.
