From June 25–28, Shen Yun Performing Arts will return to Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts with five performances, bringing its 20th anniversary global touring season to a close. The performances come after six previously scheduled Toronto shows were canceled earlier this year following security and bomb threats directed at the venue, disappointing thousands of ticket holders.
Founded in 2006, Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance 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.
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Lawmakers praise Shen Yun
Now, the troupe’s return has prompted messages of support from Canadian federal and provincial lawmakers, many of whom described the performances as a reaffirmation of artistic freedom and Canada’s commitment to resisting intimidation from foreign governments.
Back in March, a series of bomb threats led to the cancellation of the shows, even after police determined the venue was safe. On April 10, Shen Yun organizers in Canada released a statement revealing that the individual(s) behind the threats targeting the performances in Toronto sent two additional provocative emails on April 3 to the company’s ticketing office. The threats are linked back to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which has previously tried to derail Shen Yun shows in other states.
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Garnett Genuis, Canada’s Shadow Minister for Employment and co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Falun Gong, said he was encouraged to see Shen Yun returning to the stage after the earlier cancellations. In a congratulatory letter, Genuis wrote that the company’s return “is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved,” adding that attempts by foreign actors to suppress peaceful artistic performances in Canada are “completely unacceptable.” He also called on Canada to remain firm in responding to such threats, saying the country “will never be silenced by intimidation.”
Philip Lawrence, Canada’s Shadow Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs, likewise welcomed Shen Yun’s return, describing this year’s performances as particularly significant after the disruptions earlier in the season. Lawrence said the company’s return reflected Canada’s democratic values, cultural openness, and commitment to artistic freedom. He also noted that Canada’s response demonstrated a broader determination to reject intimidation while protecting freedom of cultural expression.
In his letter, Lawrence praised Shen Yun’s two-decade mission of presenting traditional Chinese culture through music and dance, saying the performances have enriched Canada’s cultural landscape while resonating with audiences from diverse backgrounds.
A ‘cultural feast’
Member of Parliament Michael Cooper described Shen Yun as a “cultural feast,” writing that its performances showcase the richness of Chinese civilization before the rise of communism while highlighting values that transcend cultures and generations.
Many of Shen Yun’s performers and staff are practitioners of Falun Gong, a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline also known as Falun Dafa. Rooted in the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, the faith was immensely popular in China prior to being banned and subject to severe repression by the CCP starting in 1999. Because of the persecution, Shen Yun is not currently able to perform in mainland China.
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Andrew Lawton, another Member of Parliament, focused on the importance of freedom of expression and belief. In his message, Lawton said Shen Yun has become internationally recognized for presenting stories, history, and artistic traditions that face suppression inside China. He wrote that Canada’s strength lies in protecting fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion, speech, and cultural expression, allowing communities from diverse backgrounds to share their heritage without fear.
Promoting traditional values
At the provincial level, Ontario Minister of Red Tape Reduction Andrea Khanjin issued an official certificate recognizing Shen Yun’s return to Canada. The citation praised the company’s efforts to promote values such as compassion, courage, faith, and human dignity through the performing arts.
The certificate also noted that, after two decades, Shen Yun has become a global cultural phenomenon, attracting audiences on five continents each touring season.
Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament Silvia Gualtieri also congratulated the company on its return to Toronto. In her message, Gualtieri described Shen Yun as bringing Chinese history, culture, and timeless stories to life in an “extraordinary and breathtaking way,” creating “an experience and emotion that remain with audiences long after the curtain falls.” She also thanked the performers, organizers, volunteers, and supporters behind the production.
The Toronto performances will conclude the company’s 2026 international touring season, marking the final stop in its 20th anniversary tour.
For more information on Shen Yun Performing Arts, including FAQs and ticketing information, please visit the official website.
