Alabama Celebrates Shen Yun Performing Arts Days

Dignitaries welcome the artists. Civic groups, elected officials and businesses support Shen Yun.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—On a windy, sunny, unsettled day, Gov. Bob Riley welcomed Shen Yun Performing Arts to Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama. He wrote, “Shen Yun presents a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and rich tradition of Chinese culture, and we are fortunate to have this truly remarkable event in Alabama.” He said he knew the performances would show the “enchanting pageantry of Chinese dance and music.”

Mr. Riley anticipated the shows would inspire a “deeper appreciation of the global diversity of our global community.”

Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford proclaimed Shen Yun “the world’s premiere Chinese dance and music company,” which seeks to “breathe new life into traditional Chinese culture and to provide an experience of sublime beauty.” He was pleased that the company chose Birmingham for one of the stops on its world tour.

Mr. Langford honored the arts group and called on all the citizens of Birmingham to support “this great show.” He wished the performers and audience members would enjoy an “enriching and unforgettable evening.”

Alberto Zaragoza serves as mayor of Vestavia Hills, Alabama. He represents an historic town in the Appalachian foothills east of Birmingham. He designated August 21 and 22 “Shen Yun Performing Arts Days” and urged all residents of Vestavia Hills to support the events.

Mr. Zaragoza wrote that the performers “bring unusual depth to their work.” He felt their Chinese dance is “dynamic and expressive.”

All members of the Jefferson County Legislative Delegation thanked the group for honoring their county with a visit. “We are simply ecstatic that we were a chosen site for your performance.” They welcomed the company to the “Magic City” of Birmingham, the county seat of Jefferson County. Reps. Roderick Scott and Allen Treadaway saw the debut performance and spoke at the opening night reception.

State Senator Linda Coleman said her state and her city have long appreciated the performing arts. She thanked the company for giving citizens the chance to re-experience traditional Chinese culture and history through beautiful costumes and unique choreography.

Many businesses, civic groups, and schools supported the show, including the Rotary Clubs, Charter Communications, the University of Alabama, Samford University, Birmingham Public Libraries, and the Alabama Ballet.

Shen Yun is performing one more show in Birmingham, Ala., on Aug. 22, at the Concert Hall, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Then, a six-run show will be held at Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center Opera House from Aug. 26 to 30.

  For more information please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org