Reported by NTD News Reporters Xia Wenyue and Ma Hailian
AUSTIN, TX — On the first day of Chinese New Year, the Texas House of Representatives passed a resolution officially designating January 29, 2025, as “Shen Yun Day” to honor Shen Yun Performing Arts. The proclamation praises the company’s global efforts in promoting traditional Chinese culture and its message of freedom and hope, reflecting core American values.
Texas House Unanimously Approves the Resolution
The Texas House of Representatives announced the passage of House Resolution 72 (HR 72) without opposition, declaring January 29, 2025, as “Shen Yun Day.”
Rep. Tom Oliverson, M.D. (R–130) introduced the resolution, stating,
“HR 72 recognizes January 29, 2025, as ‘Shen Yun Day’ at our capital. Today, we are recognizing 19 years of Shen Yun’s dedication to reviving and sharing the beauty of traditional Chinese culture through classical dance and music.”
Lawmakers Praise Shen Yun’s Cultural Impact
Texas lawmakers commended Shen Yun for showcasing the rich heritage of pre-communist China and preserving cultural values that resonate with American values.
Rep. Steve Toth (R–15) shared his personal experience, “My wife dragged me to Shen Yun at Christmas
last Christmas, and I was deeply moved. What I got is a history lesson of the beauty of the Chinese culture and what communism has done to destroy it.”
He also expressed gratitude for the message Shen Yun conveyed, saying, “I found this incredible, inspiring message of freedom and liberty, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to express who you are, and Shen Yun does it so well, and I just hope and pray that the kids of Texas and across the United States will see it.”
A Symbolic Recognition on Chinese New Year 2025
The presence of Shen Yun representatives at the Texas Legislature underscored the importance of this rec
ognition. Rep. Briscoe Cain (R–128) emphasized the broader significance,
“I’m really excited about really the partnership that we’re creating, that if Shen Yun is standing for freedom, that Texas is here to defend the freedom of those seeking freedom around the world. It kind of shines an example that that communism really quite simply kills, it kills dreams, kills hopes, kills families. But Shen Yun is — and the movement behind it stands for this premise that the people are free, great things happen, that communities are lifted up and and people prosper.”
The lawmakers’ decision to designate January 29 as “Shen Yun Day” on the first day of the Lunar New Year was meant to celebrate the resilience of traditional culture despite adversity.
Honoring Shen Yun’s Legacy
Rep. Oliverson also said, “Culture and freedom are beautiful. I denounce the evils of communism, which has destroyed countless innocent lives. Shen Yun helps both Americans and Chinese remember the rich traditions of pre-communist China, a vital cultural heritage.”
Dr. Oliverson, a proud father of a ballet dancer, acknowledged the exceptional skill required for Shen Yun’s performances, “As I know, dancing is very competitive. It requires supreme athleticism and flexibility. And so I just salute them for their talent and bringing this art form to us here in America.”
With its continued performances and growing recognition, Shen Yun remains a powerful symbol of cultural preservation and artistic excellence.
Shen Yun to Perform Additional Shows in Cypress, Texas
Following 10 successful performances in Houston, Shen Yun Performing Arts has announced three additional shows in Cypress, Texas, on February 15–16.
For ticket information: Shen Yun Official Website – Houston Performances
