Shen Yun Performing Arts aims to revive traditional Chinese culture through classical dance, facing pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. Despite negative media reports alleging exploitation and secrecy, an investigation at their New York headquarters reveals a rigorous but passionate training environment rooted in spiritual practice and cultural preservation.
Shen Yun Performing Arts has captivated audiences worldwide with its mission to revive traditional Chinese culture through classical dance and music. Founded by practitioners of Falun Dafa, a spiritual practice persecuted in China, Shen Yun aims to portray a China before communism — a China rich in spirituality, morality, and cultural heritage.
As someone deeply interested in Chinese performing arts and culture, and having witnessed the impact of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) repression firsthand, I have followed Shen Yun since 2008. However, recent negative media coverage, including a series of articles by the New York Times in 2024, raised questions about Shen Yun's work culture and treatment of performers. To uncover the truth, I visited Shen Yun's headquarters in upstate New York, known as Dragon Springs, alongside fellow China YouTuber David Jung.
Dragon Springs is a sprawling 400-acre campus housing the Fatian Academy of the Arts, Fatian College, and Shen Yun Performing Arts. The campus blends traditional Chinese architectural styles with modern educational facilities.
Fatian Academy and College were established with the mission to preserve and revive traditional Chinese culture. Students begin their training here, and exceptional students have the opportunity to perform with Shen Yun as part of their academic practicum. Many performers, including those touring with Shen Yun, are alumni of these institutions.
A significant aspect of Shen Yun's identity is its connection to Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong), a Buddhist meditation practice that gained immense popularity in China during the 1990s. With more practitioners than members of the CCP at one point, Falun Dafa was banned in 1999, leading to widespread persecution, imprisonment, and torture of its followers.
Many Shen Yun performers and staff are Falun Dafa practitioners or have family members who suffered persecution. This spiritual foundation informs the company's mission and explains the heightened security measures at Dragon Springs, including guard dogs and restricted access, due to threats and sabotage attempts linked to CCP operatives.
The training at Shen Yun is rigorous and demanding, comparable to elite ballet companies or gymnastics teams. Students and performers undergo classical Chinese dance training, learning intricate movements and storytelling techniques that embody traditional Chinese virtues such as truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to try some classical dance moves, such as the "shambong" hand position and tumbling exercises. The performers demonstrated exceptional skill and passion, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the learning process and exploring emotional expression.
Contrary to some reports, only about 15% of Shen Yun's touring members are minors, and these are students on practicum who have reached a performance level allowing them to tour for academic credit. The majority of performers are adults.
Shen Yun's educational institutions enforce strict policies on smartphone and internet use, which some have criticized as overly restrictive. However, these policies align with New York State's phone-free school laws for K-12 students and extend to college students as part of the schools' religious and cultural ethos.
Students are provided with basic phones capable of calls and messages to maintain communication with family and friends. Many performers view these restrictions not as limitations but as freedoms that help them avoid vices like alcohol, smoking, and excessive social media use, fostering a healthy body and mind conducive to artistic and spiritual growth.
Shen Yun's performances are not merely artistic displays but convey deep moral messages rooted in ancient Chinese culture. The stories told on stage emphasize virtues and the resilience of practitioners facing persecution.
Performers like Shindi Thai shared how their understanding and pride in Chinese culture grew through their involvement with Shen Yun. The company strives to present a pure form of classical Chinese dance, free from modern influences, to reconnect audiences with a rich cultural heritage largely suppressed by the CCP.
Audiences worldwide have been moved by Shen Yun's shows, often describing the experience as breathtaking and spiritually uplifting. This emotional connection inspires performers to endure the demanding training and continue their mission.
My visit to Shen Yun's headquarters revealed a dedicated community committed to preserving and reviving traditional Chinese culture through classical dance and spiritual practice. Despite facing significant pressure and threats from the CCP, Shen Yun maintains a rigorous yet supportive environment for its performers.
The negative media portrayals do not fully capture the passion, discipline, and cultural significance embodied by Shen Yun. Their work offers a unique window into a China before communism and serves as a beacon of cultural preservation and artistic excellence.
As repressive regimes face increasing challenges worldwide, Shen Yun's mission resonates as a hopeful reminder of the enduring power of culture and spirituality.
Thank you for joining me on this journey to uncover the truth about Shen Yun. For those interested in classical Chinese dance and culture, exploring Shen Yun's performances and educational programs offers a profound and inspiring experience.
