(Minghui.org) Shen Yun New World Company performed two shows on March 10-11, 2026, at the Columbia Koger Center 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 recognized Shen Yun’s outstanding contributions to the preservation of arts and culture, praised the performance as magnificent, and welcomed the public to attend.
South Carolina’s governor, state senators, and representatives issued proclamations or congratulatory letters to Shen Yun Performing Arts. Top left: South Carolina Governor Henry Dargan McMaster; Top right: South Carolina Senator Russell Ott; Bottom left: South Carolina Representative Paul Wickensimer (District 22); Bottom right: South Carolina Representative Alan Morgan (District 18)
Georgia State Representative Matt Reeves presented an award to Shen Yun Performing Arts on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives.
Congratulatory Letter from South Carolina’s Governor
Governor Henry McMaster and his congratulatory letter
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.”
State Senator: Extraordinary Contribution
State Senator Russell Ott and his proclamation
South Carolina Senator Russell Ott warmly welcomed Shen Yun to South Carolina and issued a proclamation, “In recognition and celebration of Shen Yun Performing Arts for your extraordinary contribution to the performing arts and cultural enrichment of our community. We warmly honor and welcome the artists and performers of Shen Yun in the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia, South Carolina, for your 2026 performances on March 10 and March 11, 2026.
“Your dedication in artistic excellence and your presentation of classical Chinese dance, music, and cultural heritage bring inspiration, joy, and cultural understanding to audiences throughout this area.”
Congratulations From State Representatives
State Representative Paul Wickensimer and his congratulatory letter
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.
State Representative Alan Morgan and his congratulatory letter
“Shen Yun is more than just a musical performance: it is an unforgettable journey into ancient culture and civilization. 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 civilization,” he added.
Mayor and City Council Members Announce “Shen Yun Performing Arts Day”
Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and Columbia’s city council presented a commendation to Shen Yun Performing Arts.
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 Center 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.”
On the evening of March 10, 2026, Chanique Belton (left), chief of staff of the Columbia City Council, presented a certificate of commendation to Shen Yun Performing Arts. (NTD Television)
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
Georgia State Representative Matt Reeves (center), representing the 99th District, presented an award to Shen Yun Performing Arts. The photo shows Representative Reeves with the local organization that hosts Shen Yun.
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.
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