LOS ANGELES—Shen Yun Performing Arts is returning to the Los Angeles area once again, opening in Costa Mesa on March 11, traveling to Thousand Oaks on March 18, and finishing up at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles March 22 and 23.

In the days leading up to this arrival, 50 recognitions were given to Shen Yun from 63 officials celebrating the contribution the company has brought to the city and Southern California.

Shen Yun was established in 2006 with a mission “to revive the true, divinely inspired culture of China and share it with the world,” according to the company’s website.

Mayor Eric Garcetti wrote an open letter to the people of Los Angeles with the wish that they would be able to enjoy this marvelous performance.

“On behalf of the city of Los Angeles,” said the letter, “I welcome you to Shen Yun Performing Arts masterful display of traditional Chinese dance. I hope you enjoy this presentation featuring timeless stories, beautiful costumes, mesmerizing music, thunderous drums and high flying leaps. I know these masterful performances will leave you breathless and cheering for more.”

A resolution welcoming Shen Yun to Los Angeles was adopted by the City Council at a meeting held on March 11 and signed by all council members commending the non-profit performing arts company for “their brilliant performances and depiction of true Chinese culture.”

The resolution said the following: “Whereas in ancient China, artists emphasized virtue, study and meditation, because they took to heart an ancient Chinese belief that to create true art, there must be inner beauty and purity. Today, the artists of Shen Yun follow in this noble tradition, immersing themselves in meditation, study of the classics and adopting the virtues of the ancients into their daily lives. The result is a performance that moves audiences in beautiful and profound ways.”

Ed Royce, member of Congress representing California’s 39th district and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote a letter offering his best wishes and thanking all participants of Shen Yun Performing Arts for their hard work and dedication.

“Since 2006,” he wrote, “Shen Yun has been entertaining audiences worldwide through the revival of cultural traditions. I applaud their efforts to bring people together through universal themes of courage, hope, and compassion. Nearly 100 artists have worked to perfect the difficult traditional Chinese dance, and their success should be noted.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in organizing these shows and for helping make them possible. I would also like to commend all the participants, because your participation allows Shen Yun to continually bring the Chinese culture to life on stage,” wrote Congressman Royce.

Congresswoman Lois Capps, representing California’s 24th district, also sent a letter to Shen Yun Performing Arts with praise and congratulations.

“Congratulations on your works towards a beautiful and inspiring cultural performance! Your spirit and natural talent has allowed many audiences to learn and enjoy the culture of Chinese dance and civilization. I would like to express my praise for the Shen Yun Performing Arts.

“Many thanks to all of you for the impact you have had, promoting a multicultural community through the arts and education of Chinese culture. Your performances have no doubt inspired many, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors,” wrote Congresswoman Capps.

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit Shen Yun Performing Arts.

The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.