(Minghui.org) Shen Yun New World Company performed two shows on March 10-11, 2026, at the Columbia Koger Centre for the Arts in Columbia, the capital of South Carolina.
Proclamations and congratulatory letters were received from elected officials, including the governor, state senators and representatives, the mayor of Columbia, and city councilors, on the opening day. They recognised Shen Yun’s outstanding contributions to the preservation of arts and culture, praised the performance as magnificent, and welcomed the public to attend.
Congratulatory Letter from South Carolina’s Governor
In his congratulatory letter, Governor McMaster wrote, “It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 Shen Yun performance in Columbia, South Carolina.
“Tonight’s performance will lead you on an enchanting journey through Chinese culture, from long-ago traditions to modern heroic tales. You will certainly find the beautifully choreographed performance, featuring talented musicians, graceful dancers, and gifted artists, entertaining, inspirational, and educational.
“It is a rare opportunity to experience ancient civilisation through the beauty of music and dance. Peggy and I wish you all the best for a most enjoyable evening.”
Georgia State Representative Matt Reeves presented an award to Shen Yun Performing Arts on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives.
State Senator: Extraordinary Contribution
In his congratulatory letter, Governor McMaster wrote, “It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 Shen Yun performance in Columbia, South Carolina.
“Tonight’s performance will lead you on an enchanting journey through Chinese culture, from long-ago traditions to modern heroic tales. You will certainly find the beautifully choreographed performance, featuring talented musicians, graceful dancers, and gifted artists, entertaining, inspirational, and educational.
“It is a rare opportunity to experience ancient civilization through the beauty of music and dance. Peggy and I wish you all the best for a most enjoyable evening.”
Congratulations From State Representatives
South Carolina State Representative Paul Wickensimer welcomed audiences to attend Shen Yun Performing Arts. “Shen Yun is a unique performance that carries a profound cultural heritage and historical context, and it would surely be an unforgettable event,” he wrote.
“Shen Yun is more than just a musical performance: it is an unforgettable journey into ancient culture and civilisation. With stunning scenery, graceful dancers, and exceptionally talented musicians, every part of the production is beautifully presented,” wrote State Representative Alan Morgan.
“The performance captivates and inspires as it takes the audience through 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture. It provides a wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for one of the world’s oldest civilizations,” he added.
Mayor and City Council Members Announce “Shen Yun Performing Arts Day”
Shen Yun New World Company gave its first performance on March 10 in Columbia, the capital of South Carolina. On behalf of Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, the city Legislative Chief of Staff Chanique Belton presented Shen Yun with a commendation, and jointly declared that day “Shen Yun Performing Arts Day” along with Councilors Tina N. Herbert (1st District), Edward H. McDowell, Jr. (2nd District), William Brennan (3rd District), Peter M. Brown (4th District), and at-large Councilors Tyler D. Bailey and Sam Johnson.
In his proclamation, Mayor Rickenman wrote:
“Whereas, New York based Shen Yun Performing Arts, the world’s premier Classical Chinese dance and music company, has thrilled audience across our nation as well as across the oceans for almost 20 years; and
“Whereas, Shen Yun Performing Arts has performed at many of the prestigious theaters in the world including Koger Centre for Arts and won praises from top artists and critics since 2007; and
“Whereas Shen Yun Performing Arts’ mission is to receive the essence of five millennia of Chinese civilization and bring the East and West together with the universal culture of dance and music; and
“Whereas Shen Yun Peformers, educated at Fei Tian Academy of Arts, through ancient legends, traditional ethnic dancers, and ancient to modern heroic tales transport audience to a world of beauty, purity, goodness, and courage; and
“Whereas, Shen Yun Performing Arts continues to flourish globally from a single troupe to now eight groups as it carries out its mission by overcoming every challenge and hardship; and
“Whereas, On the occasion of the 20th anniversary, The City of Columbia along with the South Carolina Falun Dafa Association, the local presenter of Shen Yun, wishes every audience member an amazing experience; and
“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Daniel J. Rickenmann, Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, along with my fellow members of Columbia City Council, do hereby proclaim March 10th – 11th, 2026, as Shen Yun Performing Arts Day.”
Ms. Belton said she observed a common thread across cultures: “When people face difficulties, they seek the strength of family and community to overcome them.” She believes this spirit of resilience transcends national borders, “No matter what country you are in, or what your cultural background or race is, humanity is universal. When you are knocked down, there will always be someone to lend a helping hand, and eventually you will find a way out.”
Shen Yun was founded in New York in 2006. Its story is very similar to that of the American Puritans, who came to the United States to seek freedom in order to escape religious persecution. As an official, Ms. Belton said she, “Was very moved as this is really remarkable. Although the struggles and difficulties Shen Yun face are real, it tempers your will and makes you more capable of seizing the present moment.”
Proclamation from Georgia State Representative
On March 6, 2026, State Representative Matt Reeves presented an award to Shen Yun Performing Arts on behalf of the Georgia State House at the Georgia State Capitol, and he praised Shen Yun’s artistic contributions to the Georgia community.
Former Georgia state official Tim Lee hosted the awards ceremony. Lee said he was honored to be there to share his personal experience of watching Shen Yun. He recently had the opportunity to see the performance in Atlanta, and he said, “The performance was magnificent, vibrant, energetic, passionate, and incredibly elegant,” he recalled. Every movement, every set, every piece of music told a story and deeply touched the audience.”
What impressed Lee most was, “The narrative power of art. Shen Yun took us on a journey through culture, history and the human spirit. It reminded us of the appeal of traditional values and the power of perseverance.”
Representative Reeves spoke after the awards ceremony, and said, “In the United States and Georgia, the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are helpful to society. At any time, when people focus on family, faith, personal responsibility, work hard, and learn from past experiences and draw on the wisdom of those who came before them, they can create a wonderful community. Shen Yun’s performance in Atlanta is just like that.” He said he appreciated it very much.
Reeves said speaking the truth in love is something he learned in church and in his faith. He believes in seeking truth and ancient wisdom, and that is why he appreciates Shen Yun’s accomplishments.
Copyright © 1999-2026 Minghui.org. All rights reserved.
