Shen Yun, the Chinese dance group under scrutiny for 'cult' associations and 'abuse' of child performers

In cities around the world, vibrant advertisements for dance troupe Shen Yun catch the eye – on billboards, television and even on leaflets posted through front doors.

"Swirling in colourful costumes", Shen Yun dancers are sent out in their hundreds to perform shows in "cities like New York, Paris, Toronto and Taipei", said The New York Times.

But, while Shen Yun's visual spectacle is set once again to captivate audiences on its 2025 tour, there's increasing concern about its culture of "untreated injuries and emotional abuse".

'Anti-humanity and anti-science cult'

Since it was founded in 2006, the New York-based Shen Yun company has developed a reputation for elaborate productions, but the "mission" of the organisation is "more than entertainment", said The New York Times. Instead, it seeks to "amplify the anti-China message" of Falun Gong, the religious movement behind the company.

Established in 1992 by Li Hongzhi, Falun Gong's tenets include opposition to feminism, homosexuality and Western medicine. It was outlawed by the Chinese government in 1999.

Shen Yun "openly admits there's a connection" with Falun Gong.

'Mistakes doom audiences to hell'

A recent lawsuit by a former Shen Yun dancer included allegedly "subjecting children to public humiliation as discipline" as well as making them perform for "long hours for little pay".

A further investigation by The New York Times uncovered a "controlling atmosphere", created by the ultra-conservative teachings of Falun Gong. Dancers were reportedly told their performance "was part of a holy mission to save humanity – and that any mistakes onstage could doom their audiences to hell".

Source Link: https://theweek.com/culture-life/the-dark-underbelly-of-shen-yun-shows