It is more than likely that you have spotted a “Shen Yun” advertisement. Whether that was a billboard along the highway, a pop-up ad on social media or a poster on the train; for many, these ads seem inescapable. If you have not seen one of these advertisements, they are typically a vibrant image of a talented dancer next to the title “Shen Yun” and its slogan “China before communism” or “5,000 years of civilization reborn”. Although beautiful and eye-catching, these frequent advertisements are ambiguous, leaving many questions unanswered. So, what really is “Shen Yun” and why is it everywhere? 

Popularity 

“Shen Yun” is a successful dance performance from its worldwide touring to its high-end venues, not to mention its ubiquitous advertisement campaign. When asked if she had heard of the show, HHS sophomore Rose Mclaughlin explained, “I see the billboards all the time when I’m on the highway near Boston, and sometimes I see videos about it on TikTok.” Another Hingham student had even seen the show herself. “The show was interesting, but it was very long…I went to the show because my family wanted to go for Thanksgiving break two years ago.” said Erika Campbell. Since its start in 2006, “Shen Yun” which translates to “the beauty of divine beings dancing” has truly expanded as a global influence. At an average ticket price of $233.84 their popularity has resulted in extreme profits. 

Origins 

“Shen Yun’s story traces back to China in 1992 when Li Hongzhi founded a spiritual movement called Falun Gong. His teachings, rooted in ancient Buddhist beliefs, spread quickly due to his guidance on morality and lifestyle and claims of healing benefits. The movement promoted nonviolence and created communities through group exercise. Li Hongzhi’s lectures in 1995 expanded the movement internationally. By 1999 the strictly atheist and communist Chinese government began to persecute Falun Gong’s followers in response to a large silent protest against the government. Following the detainment of public practitioners the government launched a propaganda campaign condemning the practice. An organization called Friends of Falun Gong has reported continued persecution including deaths in forced labor camps and alleged organ trafficking. The actual performance of “Shen Yun” portrays some of this persecution. Falun Gong’s leaders, including Li Hongzhi founded the show in 2006, and it has since grown to reach a much larger audience. 

Controversy 

One source of controversy surrounding Falun Gong is its occasionally extreme beliefs. Its leader Li Hongzhi has, in some instances, implied his divinity suggesting that he possesses supernatural powers. Furthermore, the suggestion that faith alone can cure illness or that homosexuality is a disease could be seen as harmful beliefs for followers. 

“Shen Yun’s performers are often ardent followers of Falun Gong. In a New York Times exposé former dancers shared that they were told that the show was a spiritual obligation, one that would save its audience from an impending apocalypse. Many of these dancers were sent by their devout families at an early age to Falun Gong’s global headquarters, a compound called “Dragon Springs” in upstate New York. There the dancers faced harsh conditions, training for 15-hour workdays. Many injuries would go untreated. Although dancers are allowed to quit, they are told that they could go to hell for their actions and that they would be forced to pay a tuition fee for their training.

Falun Gong and its leader Hongzhi are also entangled in the far-right newspaper “The Epoch Times.” It is now the U.S.’s fourth largest newspaper (by subscription count). The newspaper is known for its anti-Chinese, anti-/communist views. It is a large advertiser and openly endorses Donald Trump. The newspaper faces controversy over the publication of what some believe to be conspiracy theories. 

Conclusion 

Reality is often far from black and white. This is especially true in the case of “Shen Yun” and its hidden connections. It is important to stay educated and assess for oneself what to trust and what deserves a second look.