Officials Enthusiastically Welcome Shen Yun’s Return to Indiana

As the promise of spring melted away the long, hard Midwestern winter, warm accolades greeted the return of Shen Yun Performing Arts to Indianapolis.
Officials Enthusiastically Welcome Shen Yun’s Return to Indiana
3/7/2011
Updated:
3/8/2011
INDIANAPOLIS—As the promise of spring melted away the long, hard Midwestern winter, warm accolades greeted the return of Shen Yun Performing Arts to Indianapolis. Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company graced the stage at the Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, giving three performances on March 4 and 5.

Wherever Shen Yun performs, public officials at the federal, state and local levels honor the New York-based company with proclamations and letters of welcome, congratulating and praising it. Indiana officials were no exception, expressing their gratitude and encouragement with more than 20 such documents.

In his proclamation, Mitchell E. Daniels, Governor of the State of Indiana, officially declared March 4–5, 2011 Shen Yun Performing Arts Days and “invited all citizens to duly note this occasion.”

Governor Daniels stated, “We are proud to be among the States selected to host Shen Yun and feel fortunate that our community will have the opportunity to witness ancient and contemporary Chinese culture.”

In his proclamation he called Shen Yun “a showcase of traditional Chinese culture, a platform for cross-cultural understanding between the East and West, and a unifying event for all people interested in Chinese culture, free of the Communist Party; a presentation of genuine Chinese culture which showcases a renaissance and reclamation of the long-lost treasures of China.”

Shen Yun presents colorful and exhilarating performances of classical Chinese dance, thrilling elected officials, community and business leaders, and members of the Indiana arts community who joined the diverse enthusiastic audience.

Indianapolis mayor Gregory A. Ballard thanked the world-renowned company for coming to the state capitol by extending a Letter of Welcome and said: “On behalf of the City of Indianapolis, it is a pleasure to welcome and thank the Shen Yun performers for bringing traditional Chinese dance and music to our city. I would like to extend my warmest greetings to Shen Yun performers and sponsors. This event will serve to unify any who have an interest in Chinese culture.”

In his Letter of Welcome, Senator Richard Lugar shared the enthusiasm Indiana’s citizens have shown for Shen Yun, calling the show “a wonderful opportunity to discover and celebrate Chinese traditional culture.”

Congressman Dan Burton, member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Indiana’s 5th district, sent Shen Yun an official Letter of Welcome, in which he said, “It is my privilege to welcome Shen Yun Performing Arts to Indianapolis.”

After attending the show, Congressman Burton exclaimed: “Everything is perfect! It’s like somebody came out of the heavens and put a perfect program together. It can’t be any better than this. It’s just great. Everyone in America and around the world ought to see it. It’s absolutely spectacular!”

Congressman Andre Carson, member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Indiana’s 7th district, greeted Shen Yun by saying, “Our city is privileged to host such a breathtaking show. Shen Yun takes you inside Chinese culture and shows you its genuine beauty.”

The congressman thanked the artists, producers and choreographers for coming to Indianapolis. “You are truly inspiring and gifted individuals. Thank you for sharing your talents with Indianapolis.”

Senator David C. Long, member of the Indiana State Senate representing the 16th district, President Pro Tempore of the Indiana State Senate, welcomed Shen Yun with a Letter of Greeting. He called Shen Yun “a cultural experience unlike any other. I am proud that you have traveled here today to share your world famous talents with my fellow Hoosiers. It is my hope that you enjoy the state of Indiana as much as the people of Indiana will enjoy your art.”

Mayor James Brainard, Mayor of Carmel issued a Proclamation to thank the world-renowned company for coming to Indiana. “We are fortunate to have this opportunity for our citizens to experience ancient and contemporary Chinese society. I therefore do Proclaim March 4–5, 2011 Shen Yun Performing Arts Days in the City of Carmel, Indiana.”

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. The Shen Yun New York Company will next perform in Atlanta, GA, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, March 8-10. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org