Truth, Inspiration, Hope.

Shen Yun Returns to Norfolk, Earning Praise From Virginia Officials

Published: April 20, 2026
On April 17, 2025, Shen Yun Performing Arts returned to the prestigious Palais des Congrès in Paris for the second night of its 2025 European tour. Audience members were delighted to experience the show's dazzling colors, gravity-defying, acrobatics, and live symphony orchestra. (Image: Vision Times Staff)

As Shen Yun Performing Arts brings its 2026 world tour to Norfolk, Virginia, local officials have issued proclamations and congratulatory letters, praising the company’s outstanding contributions over the past 20 years in reviving traditional culture and elevating artistic excellence. They also welcomed Shen Yun’s return to these key cultural cities on the East Coast.

Founded in 2006, Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, showcasing the beauty and splendor of traditional Chinese culture and art prior to the ravages of communism. The New York-based company currently boasts eight equally-sized troupes that tour and perform across the world simultaneously, putting on a brand new production each year.

Proclamations from VA officials

Officials noted that for two decades, Shen Yun has remained committed to reviving traditional culture through the arts. Local dignitaries from Virginia issued proclamations and congratulatory letters honoring the performing arts troupe. They expressed their best wishes for the success of Shen Yun’s 2026 tour and encouraged more people to attend the performances and experience this unique blend of art, culture, and spiritual depth.

From left to right: Row 1: Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (11th District); Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (10th District); Virginia President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas, Virginia State Senator J.D. Danny Diggs (24th District); Row 2: State Senator Angelia Williams Graves (21st District); State Senator Saddam Azlan Salim (37th District); State Senator Jennifer Boysko (38th District); State Delegate Delores McQuinn (81st District); Row 3: State Delegate Anne Ferrell Tata (99th District); Mayor of Norfolk City Kenneth Cooper Alexander; Mayor of Virginia Beach Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer; Mayor of Chesapeake City Dr. Richard W. West. (Image: Composite by Vision Times Staff)

“As Shen Yun celebrates two decades of artistic work, I commend the dedication required to sustain large-scale performances and to engage audiences year after year,” said Virginia Congressman James R. Walkinshaw. “Reaching millions worldwide is no small achievement and reflects the enduring public interest in live performance.”

“Over the past two decades, your performances have brought the beauty and depth of traditional Chinese civilization to audiences around the world, conveying universal values such as kindness, integrity, respect, and wisdom,” said L. Louise Lucas, President Pro Tempo of Virginia.

“On behalf of the Virginia House of Delegates and the citizens of the 99th District, I am honored to extend my warmest congratulations and a heartfelt welcome to Shen Yun Performing Arts as you return to the Commonwealth for your 2026 World Tour,” noted Anne Ferrell Tata, 99th District, House of Delegates.

Mr. Suhas Subramanyam, Congressman for Virginia’s 10th District, sent a video greeting, praising Shen Yun as a “wonderful show and an amazing experience,” and noted that he was “excited for the performance to come.”

Ms. Angelia Williams Graves, who represents the 21st district in the Virginia Senate, also shared a video greeting welcoming Shen Yun to her state. “It is my distinct honor to greet you on this very special occasion and to welcome you to the city of Norfolk,” said Williams Graves in her video address. “Tonight, you are about to experience something truly extraordinary. For 20 years, Shen Yun Performing Arts has dedicated itself to preserving and sharing one of the world’s most ancient and beautiful cultural traditions: 5,000 years of Chinese civilization brought to life through breathtaking artistry, original music, and timeless values that connect us all as human beings.”

Below is a full view of the proclamations:

Congressman James R. Walkinshaw, 11th District
L. Louise Lucas, Senator of Virginia, 18th District
J.D. ”Danny” Diggs, Virginia Senator, 24th District
Saddam Azlan Salim, 37th Senatorial District, Senator of Virginia
Jennifer B. Boysko, 38th Senatorial District, Senate of Virginia
State Delegate Delores McQuinn, 81st District, HR. 36, House of Delegates
Delegate Anne Ferrell Tata, 99th District, House of Delegates
Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander, City of Norfork
Mayor Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer, Virginia Beach
Mayor Dr. Richard W. West, City of Chesapeake

Norfolk, Virginia
Venue: Chrysler Hall, 215 St Pauls Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23510
Showtimes: April 22 (Wednesday) at 7:30 p.m. and April 23 (Thursday) at 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: 877-663-7469 (Shen Yun Ticketing)
Group tickets (10+): Call the hotline or email [email protected]

For more information on Shen Yun Performing Arts, including FAQs and ticketing information, please visit the official website.