Iowa State Governor Kim Reynolds proclaimed May 7 and 8 Shen Yun Days in Iowa.
Shen Yun Performing Arts is currently performing in Des Moines, Iowa, as the classical Chinese dance company is on its way to finishing its world tour. This season, the New York-based company’s six contingents have traveled to 130 cities across four continents, with its mission to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture.
Officials in Iowa were quick to extend their welcome and congratulations to the world-class dance and music company
Iowa State Senator and Senate President Charles Schneider issued a statement looking forward to the performances.
“Thank you for making our capital city one of the cities that Shen Yun Performing Arts selected for its 2019 performances. It is an honor for the Des Moines Civic Center to be included on your schedule with such renowned venues as the Lincoln Center in New York and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.,” Schneider wrote in a statement.
“I know audiences will greatly appreciate how you bring five thousand years of Chinese culture to life through classical music and dance,” Schneider wrote.
Shen Yun was established in 2006 by artists from around the world, who wanted to share the authentic traditional Chinese culture with the world. It is a culture and civilization said to be inspired, and one nearly lost over just the last few decades with China being overcome by the communist regime, which seeks to destroy the traditional culture.
Des Moines Mayor T. M. Franklin Cownie welcomed Shen Yun’s return this year in a letter, commending the company that “creates and performs arts that center upon the true divinely bestowed culture of humankind, and seeks to provide an experience of consummate beauty and goodness.”
“Shen Yun has touched the hearts of millions of people around the globe, including in Des Moines, through their annual world tours since 2007,” he wrote.
“Best wishes for an enjoyable and successful event!”
Congressman Steve King wished the classical Chinese dance company “the best of luck with your performance” in a letter.
“The work that the Shen Yun Performing Arts [does] is not only beautiful but serves as a reminder to the 5,000 years of culture that has been suppressed by the Communist regime,” King said in a statement. “It serves to remind everyone of what China was and what it could become.”
The Iowa State Senate also issued a certificate of recognition to commemorate Shen Yun’s performances.
“[T]he Senate hereby recognizes and thanks The Shen Yun Performers for showcasing incredible talents and commitments to the arts. It is of particular interest, that freedoms of speech and religion we have in America have allowed these artists the opportunity to express their message. I am gratified that we can offer Shen Yun the unfettered platform to perform.”
“With gratitude and friendship, the people of Iowa are welcome to the opportunity to learn about 5,000 years of Chinese culture and history, and your willingness to spread the message of democratic principles.”
