(Minghui.org) Shen Yun Performing Arts’ 2026 Tour of the Eastern United States will debut at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, Connecticut on December 27, 2025.

Founded in May 2006, Shen Yun looks forward to its 20th anniversary this coming year. The mayors of six cities in Connecticut—Waterbury, Stamford, Norwalk, New Britain, Bristol, and New London—issued congratulatory letters and proclamations to welcome the arrival of the world’s leading classical Chinese dance company. They recognized Shen Yun’s effort to revive traditional Chinese culture and inspire universal moral values over the past two decades.

In December 2025, ahead of Shen Yun’s return to Waterbury, CT, the mayors of six Connecticut cities presented Shen Yun Performing Arts with congratulatory letters and proclamations. They are (from left to right, top to bottom): Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. of Waterbury, Mayor Caroline Simmons of Stanford, Mayor Harry W. Rilling of Norwalk, Mayor Bobby Sanchez of New Britain, Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu of Bristol, and Mayor Michael E. Passero of New London.

The mayors commended Shen Yun’s far-reaching effort to revive the essence of traditional Chinese culture through the arts and described the group as “a beacon of cultural renewal and spiritual inspiration” in today’s world. They praised Shen Yun for bringing hope, compassion and positive values to audiences and continuing to inspire people from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Mayor of Waterbury Commends Shen Yun’s Dedication to Celebrating Traditional Chinese Culture

In December 2025, Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. of Waterbury, Connecticut, issued a congratulatory letter for Shen Yun Performing Arts.

Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. of Waterbury congratulated Shen Yun on its performance at the Palace Theater, and commended Shen Yun’s dedication to “celebrating traditional Chinese culture.” He further stated that Shen Yun showcases “beauty, grace, and depth” and is a “memorable experience for all who attended.”

Mayor of Stamford Proclaims Shen Yun Performing Arts 20th Anniversary

In December 2025, Mayor Caroline Simmons of Stamford, Connecticut issued a proclamation honoring Shen Yun Performing Arts.

Shen Yun will return to Stamford, CT, from May 7 to 10, 2026. Mayor Carolyn Simmons issued a proclamation declaring May 7-10, 2026 to be Shen Yun Performing Arts 20th Anniversary. The Mayor recognized Shen Yun’s outstanding contributions to arts and culture, and encourages all residents to take in this extraordinary cultural experience.

The Mayor stated in her proclamation,

“Whereas: The return of Shen Yun to Stamford, Connecticut offers a unique opportunity for our residents to experience the profound beauty and rich cultural heritage of China, a heritage that was once nearly lost and is now being revived for the world to embrace; and

“Whereas: The world-class artists of Shen Yun dedicate their talents and passion to bridging cultural understanding, creating a space for meaningful connection and enriching the cultural fabric of our community; and

“Whereas: The performance of Shen Yun in Stamford serves as a reminder of the power of the arts to unite us, enrich our lives, and inspire future generations.

“Now, therefore, I, Caroline Simmons, Mayor of the City of Stamford, hereby proclaim May 7-10, 2026, to be: Shen Yun Performing Arts 20th Anniversary in Stamford, in recognition of Shen Yun’s outstanding contribution to the arts and culture and encourage all residents to take part in this extraordinary cultural experience.”

Mayor of Norwalk Celebrates Shen Yun’s Two Decades of Dedication to the World

In December 2025, Mayor Harry W. Rilling of Norwalk, Connecticut issued a proclamation for Shen Yun Performing Arts.

Mayor Harry W. Rilling of Norwalk, Connecticut stated in his proclamation,

“Whereas, The Shen Yun Performing Arts was founded in New York in 2006, now celebrating their 20th anniversary, marking two decades of unwavering dedication to the communities throughout the world; and

“Whereas, Shen Yun has grown into an international sensational world classic Chinese dance and music company which inspire the communities to cherish the values of beauty, compassion, and freedom that Shen Yun represents; and

“Whereas, Shen Yun has performed and sold-out tickets at many of the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center and the Palais des Congrès in Paris; and

“Whereas, in 2025, their global tour was estimated to have 800 performances, in 200 cities across 24 countries on five continents; more than 1 million people attended to see the live performances; and

“Whereas, As the Mayor of the City of Norwalk, I want to acknowledge the dedication, inspiration and motivation of Shen Yun Performing Arts who values compassion and freedom.

“Now, Therefore, I, Harry W. Rilling, Mayor of the City of Norwalk, Connecticut, do hereby congratulate and honor Shen Yun Performing Arts in Norwalk, and in so doing, call upon family, friends, and supporters to join me in celebrating their 20th anniversary by serving the communities around the world.

“In Witness Whereof, I have set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Norwalk, Connecticut to be affixed on this 19th of December 2025.”

Mayor of New Britain Commends Shen Yun Artists for Exemplifying Triumph of Conscience

In December 2025, Mayor Bobby Sanchez of New Britain, Connecticut, issued a proclamation for Shen Yun Performing Arts.

Mayor Bobby Sanchez of New Britain, CT, wrote in his proclamation,

“Whereas, through their courage, integrity, and dedication, Shen Yun’s artists exemplify the triumph of conscience over oppression and bring to audiences everywhere a message of moral clarity, compassion, and human dignity; and

“Whereas, since its founding, Shen Yun has grown from one to eight touring companies, performing in more than 200 cities across five continents each year, and continues to be celebrated as a beacon of cultural renewal and spiritual inspiration; and

“Now Therefore, I, as Mayor of the City of New Britain, do hereby congratulate Shen Yun Performing Arts on the occasion of its 20th Anniversary and commend its outstanding contribution to the arts.

“In Witness Thereof, I have set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of New Britain this 17th day of December, 2025.”

Mayor of Bristol Praises Shen Yun for Inspiring People and Enriching Communities with Beauty and Hope

In December 2025, Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu of Bristol, Connecticut issued a proclamation for Shen Yun Performing Arts.

Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu of Bristol, Connecticut stated in her proclamation,

“Whereas: Shen Yun made its Connecticut debut in 2009 and returns to the Palace Theater in Waterbury on December 27, 2025 and to Stamford on May 7-10, 2026. Shen Yun’s performances continue to inspire the people of Connecticut and enrich our communities with beauty and hope.

“Therefore, I, Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, Mayor of the city of Bristol, do hereby proclaim, Shen Yun Performing Arts 20th Anniversary and encourage residents to recognize Shen Yun Performing arts for its artistic excellence, cultural contributions and inspiring message of hope and compassion.

“In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the City of Bristol to be affixed on this 17th day of December, 2025.”

Mayor of New London: Shen Yun Promotes Universal Values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance

In December 2025, Mayor Michael E. Passero of New London, Connecticut issued a proclamation for Shen Yun Performing Arts 20th anniversary.

Mayor Michael E. Passero of New London, Connecticut stated in the proclamation,

“Whereas, founded in 2006 in New York, Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, dedicated to reviving the essence of China’s 5,000-year divinely inspired civilization; and

“Whereas, For nearly two decades, Shen Yun has inspired audiences across the globe with breathtaking performances that blend classical Chinese dance, live orchestral music, and timeless stories celebrating beauty, virtue, and wisdom; and

“Whereas, Through its art, Shen Yun promotes the universal values of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance—virtues that uplift, educate, and inspire all people; and

“Whereas, although the Chinese Communist regime has attempted to suppress Shen Yun’s performances worldwide through theater pressure, bomb threats, disinformation campaigns, and lawfare, Shen Yun’s artists have remained steadfast in their mission to share beauty, hope and truth through art; and

“Whereas, Shen Yun has grown from one to eight touring companies, performing in over 200 cities each year and serving as a beacon of cultural renewal and spiritual inspiration; and

“Whereas, since its Connecticut debut in 2009, Shen Yun has touched the hearts of local audiences and will return to the Palace Theater in Waterbury on December 27, 2025, and to Stamford from May 7-10, 2026;

“Now, Therefore, I, Mayor Michael E. Passero, by virtue of the authority vested in me and on behalf of the City of New London, Connecticut, do hereby proclaim Shen Yun Performing Arts 20th Anniversary in the City of New London, Connecticut, encourages all residents to recognize Shen Yun Performing Arts for its artistic excellence, cultural contributions, and inspiring message of hope and compassion.”

Bringing Back Tradition and Values

Since its debut in 2006, Shen Yun has grown from one to eight touring groups, performing in over 200 cities worldwide every year. The artists have been hailed as a vital force in reviving traditional Chinese culture, awakening souls, and inspiring conscience.

With the debut of the 2026 season in Connecticut, Shen Yun will continue to brighten the world with its pure and authentic arts, bringing hope and light to more people.