(Clearwisdom.net) Shen Yun Performing Arts, which stopped in Toledo, Ohio on May 14, 2010, impressed Mayor Michael P. Bell so much that he proclaimed the day as "Shen Yun Day" for the city.

Michael P. Bell, mayor of Toledo, Ohio

"As Mayor of the City of Toledo, it is my privilege and responsibility to recognize those groups who have made outstanding achievements that reflect on the well-being and growth of the Toledo community and its citizens," he wrote in the proclamation.

"With a cast of award-winning dancers, a live orchestral accompaniment, elaborate costumes and state-of-the-art digital backdrops, Shen Yun's performances breathe new life into China's classical culture. The company also seeks to use the traditional arts as a vehicle to spread a message of hope and beauty to reinvigorate Chinese culture with the values and spirituality that once made it so rich. It is not simply stunning for its artistry but also refreshingly real, heartfelt, probing and original."

Mayor Bell was moved by soprano Haolan Geng's song, "Reaching the Other Shore," and was among those who rose in a standing ovation. The enthusiastic audience was delighted with her encore performance.

The show had a full house and closed with a standing ovation and two curtain calls. The audience honored the artists with vigorous rounds of applause throughout the performance.

During a VIP reception after the show, Mayor Bell expressed his appreciation for Shen Yun's coming to Toledo.

"I hope that we can make the world better by working with you," he said. "Thank you, very much, for being here."

Source:

http://theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/35470/