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At the Cobb Energy Centre before the 2008 Shen Yun visit to Atlanta. (Mary Silver/The Epoch Times)
ATLANTA—This city is most famous as a cradle of the American civil rights movement and the birthplace of Martin Luther King. It was destroyed during the Civil War when it burned to the ground. Both the invading Union army and the departing Confederates were responsible for the fires. Because the city was rebuilt from its own ashes, its symbol is the phoenix. According to legend, the bird builds a pyre, burns itself, and is born anew.
Atlanta gave birth to new cities recently. According to the Chamber of Commerce, the metropolitan area of 8,480.27 square mile holds a population of over 5 million, but the city limits encompass only 131 square miles. As a result, some suburban areas had no mayor or city council to represent their citizens, and after long, tenacious advocacy by residents, the new cities of Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Duluth came into being.
Shen Yun Performing Arts, a Chinese dance and music company, is making a stop at Atlanta’s Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre from Jan. 15 to 17 as part of its 2010 world tour, and the mayors of these new cities graciously welcomed the group.
Sandy Springs mayor and Economics PhD Eva Galambos welcomed the show. She said the people of Sandy Springs were eager for the visit from the company and pleased that the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre "was chosen to showcase the talents of these world-class artists."
"On behalf of the City Council and the residents of Sandy Springs, I send you our heartfelt welcome to the area. We are happy to participate.
"Just as the New Year changes and Chinese traditions state, we sincerely wish peace and happiness for everyone who performs in this program and also for those who watch it."
"Your talents and dedication have an impact on the lives of many. It is through these talents that we celebrate the culture and beauty of China’s classical heritage and artistic traditions.
Again, thank you for being here. You have enlightened us and we look forward to celebrating your heritage.”
Dunwoody Mayor Ken Wright welcomed the company and said the citizens of his city were eagerly anticipating the "wonderfully entertaining show." He said he felt warmth and enthusiasm for the company's arrival.
Duluth is one of the newer of the young cities. Like Sandy Springs, it is rich in residents of Chinese heritage. Nancy Harris, Mayor of Duluth, hoped many citizens from her city would come and enjoy the costumes, music, and dance of the show.
She said Shen Yun was a commendable endeavor that would enhance cultural exchange and understanding of Chinese heritage.
"May our American and Asian traditions build upon each other to support a better community.
She expressed "best wishes for a successful event."
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. For more information please see ShenYunperformingArts.org
