Shen Yun Performing Arts, a New York-based non-profit organization, has rapidly ascended to become the world’s foremost classical Chinese dance and music company. Established on principles of artistic freedom and a mission to revive authentic Chinese culture, Shen Yun offers a spectacle unlike any other “China Dance Show” on global stages today.
Origins Rooted in Freedom and Artistic Vision
The genesis of Shen Yun is deeply intertwined with the unique circumstances faced by its founders. Recognizing that the true narrative of traditional Chinese culture and its rich history could not be authentically expressed within the confines of modern China, the visionary artists established Shen Yun in the free and open society of New York. This pivotal decision in 2006 laid the groundwork for what would become the fastest-growing performing arts company in American history. From its humble beginnings, Shen Yun has expanded its reach to over 36 countries, captivating audiences in more than 200 cities worldwide, and enchanting millions with the splendor of a true “china dance show.”
A Unique Company Culture
Shen Yun stands out not only for its artistic excellence but also for its groundbreaking company culture. Remarkably, women of color hold a majority of leadership positions within the organization, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusion rarely seen in the performing arts world. This unique aspect contributes to the company’s innovative spirit and its ability to resonate with global audiences.
However, Shen Yun’s commitment to artistic freedom and traditional culture has not come without challenges. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has actively sought to undermine Shen Yun’s global presence, employing various tactics to sway international opinion and even resorting to documented criminal activities to sabotage the company. Despite these pressures, Shen Yun has persevered, continuing to deliver its powerful message through the art of “china dance show.”
Dragon Springs: The Heart of Cultural Revival
Nestled in the scenic Hudson Valley of New York, Dragon Springs serves as Shen Yun’s home and a unique center for cultural and artistic development. This expansive campus houses four key entities: breathtaking Tang Dynasty-style architecture and serene gardens, the Fei Tian Academy and College – accredited institutions dedicated to performing arts education, Shen Yun’s administrative and rehearsal facilities, and more.
Alt: Dragon Springs campus showcasing traditional Tang Dynasty architecture, the home of Shen Yun Performing Arts, a leading China dance show.
Dragon Springs is unparalleled in its mission to revive authentic Chinese culture on such a grand scale. It serves as a training ground for the next generation of artists and a hub from which Shen Yun’s annual global tour originates, bringing the beauty of “china dance show” to the world.
Unparalleled Accomplishments in Performing Arts
In just under two decades, Shen Yun has achieved remarkable growth, expanding from a single performing company to eight equally large companies. Each company boasts its own full ensemble of dancers, orchestra, vocal soloists, and production crew. This expansion allows Shen Yun to reach an ever-wider audience, performing annually in approximately 200 cities across five continents and captivating over a million spectators each year with its spectacular “china dance show.”
Shen Yun graces the stages of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in the United States, historic European theaters like Teatro Regio in Parma and the Prague State Opera, and renowned Asian halls such as Tokyo Opera City and Taipei’s National Concert Hall. Particularly in Taiwan, which shares deep cultural roots with mainland China, Shen Yun has become a cultural phenomenon, consistently achieving sold-out performances year after year. Notably, many audience members from mainland China travel to Taiwan specifically to witness the authentic “china dance show” experience that Shen Yun offers.
The global impact of Shen Yun is further underscored by the numerous proclamations, congratulatory letters, and “Shen Yun Day” celebrations bestowed upon the company by elected officials worldwide, recognizing its cultural contributions and artistic excellence.
The Artistry That Sets Shen Yun Apart
Shen Yun’s artistic innovation and consistent creative output distinguish it in the realm of performing arts and the “china dance show” genre. Each year, Shen Yun’s choreographers craft entirely new dance pieces, resulting in over 300 world premiere dances since the company’s inception.
Classical Chinese dance forms the cornerstone of Shen Yun’s artistry, drawing upon millennia of history. Shen Yun’s dancers undergo rigorous training in this intricate art form and include numerous award-winning performers recognized as among the world’s leading classical Chinese dancers.
Alt: Graceful Shen Yun dancers in flowing traditional Chinese costumes, performing classical Chinese dance, a highlight of this China dance show.
Original orchestral scores accompany every dance piece, composed specifically for each performance. Shen Yun’s costumes are also uniquely designed in-house, meticulously tailored to reflect the storylines, historical periods, and movements featured in each dance. These stunning costumes are also newly created each year, adding to the visual spectacle of the “china dance show.”
Shen Yun’s orchestra holds the distinction of being the first in the world to permanently integrate both classical Western and traditional Chinese instruments. The company also features a large-scale Symphony Orchestra that embarks on its own concert tours, showcasing the unique musicality of Shen Yun’s artistic vision. Furthermore, Shen Yun holds a registered patent for its innovative integration of projected, animated backdrops with live stage performers, creating a dynamic and immersive theatrical experience that enhances the storytelling of each “china dance show” piece. New backdrops are designed annually to complement the fresh choreography.
Touring and Global Reach
Shen Yun operates on an invitation-only basis, partnering with local organizations that “present” the company’s performances to their communities. These local presenters take charge of marketing, promotions, and ticket sales, ensuring that the “china dance show” experience is accessible to audiences worldwide.
Company Culture: Living the Values On and Off Stage
A key factor in Shen Yun’s success lies in the authentic integration of traditional cultural values into the daily lives of its performers. The principles showcased on stage are not merely performative; artists genuinely strive to embody these values in their personal conduct.
Performers are guided by the teachings of Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong), a spiritual practice centered on the tenets of Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance. Group meditation and study of Falun Dafa teachings are integral to the daily routine, fostering a culture of self-improvement and inner harmony within the company.
Humility and a growth mindset are highly valued within Shen Yun. There is no room for “prima donnas,” and everyone contributes to various aspects of the production. It is common to see principal dancers assisting with stage setup or celebrated singers helping with load-out, exemplifying a collaborative spirit and dedication to the collective artistic endeavor of the “china dance show.”
Shen Yun’s performers come from diverse backgrounds, representing various nationalities and ethnicities. The orchestras, for instance, include musicians from countries such as the United States, Canada, China, Japan, Germany, Russia, Bulgaria, and Taiwan, creating a truly international artistic community united by their passion for “china dance show” and cultural revival.
Life as a Shen Yun Artist
Joining Shen Yun represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream for many performers. While demanding, life as a Shen Yun artist is also rewarding and enriching. Company members are free to leave at any time, reflecting a respect for individual autonomy.
Performers receive comprehensive medical care, similar to athletes in other professional organizations. While injuries are inherent in the physically demanding nature of dance, Shen Yun provides support and treatment. Within a short period of joining Shen Yun, performers gain unparalleled global exposure, experiencing more of the world than most international travelers. Days off are often spent exploring new cities, sightseeing, and enjoying downtime, creating a well-rounded and culturally immersive experience for those dedicated to bringing “china dance show” to audiences worldwide.
Facing CCP Interference: A Testament to Resilience
From its inception, Shen Yun has faced relentless opposition from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP has actively prevented Shen Yun from performing in China, despite the company’s deep desire to share its art with the Chinese people.
Chinese nationals have been apprehended for attempting to undermine Shen Yun’s activities in the United States, and in 2024, two Chinese spies were convicted of attempting to bribe an IRS agent to target Shen Yun. Family members of Shen Yun performers residing in China have been subjected to harassment and persecution by CCP agents.
Through its global network of embassies and consulates, the CCP has engaged in a widespread campaign of transnational repression against Shen Yun. Each year, the CCP pressures theater managers and elected officials to cancel Shen Yun performances, often disseminating misinformation and threatening economic repercussions. While these attempts have largely failed, some instances of success have occurred in Eastern European countries and South Korea.
Alt: Shen Yun orchestra in performance, combining Western and Chinese instruments to create unique music for this China dance show.
There have been documented incidents reported to law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, of individuals tampering with Shen Yun’s vehicles, such as slashing tires in a manner designed to cause dangerous high-speed blowouts.
More recently, the CCP has shifted tactics to include manipulating public opinion through social media. Leaked reports indicate that CCP organizations are directing resources to support social media influencers in attacking Shen Yun. Evidence suggests coordination between some of these influencers and certain Western journalists in an attempt to discredit the “china dance show” and its mission. The CCP has also deployed its “50 cent army” to post negative online reviews and has paid for negative articles in international newspapers as part of its disinformation campaign.
Despite these multifaceted challenges, Shen Yun remains steadfast in its commitment to artistic integrity and cultural revival, continuing to inspire audiences worldwide with the beauty and power of “china dance show.”
Overwhelmingly Positive Audience Reactions
Shen Yun’s marketing prominently features compilations of audience reaction videos, showcasing the genuine enthusiasm and emotional impact of its performances. In addition to these videos, the company website hosts thousands of unsolicited reviews from audience members.
Shen Yun emphasizes that no audience member has ever been compensated for their testimonials, and the company does not utilize paid endorsements in its marketing. The vast majority of audience members express profound appreciation for Shen Yun’s performances, with standing ovations being a common occurrence. This overwhelmingly positive reception from diverse audiences globally underscores the universal appeal and transformative power of Shen Yun’s “china dance show.”
