Shen Yun Performing Arts — a company known worldwide for its dazzling costumes, sweeping choreography, and massive advertising presence — is now facing intense scrutiny as allegations of exploitation and psychological abuse continue to emerge. What was once marketed as a majestic tribute to ancient Chinese culture is now the subject of protests, petitions, and calls for government investigation.
Former Dancer’s Lawsuit Exposes a Hidden Reality
The controversy ignited after Chun-ko Chang, a former performer, filed a civil lawsuit in late 2024 describing the decade she spent inside the organization. Chang claims she was pushed into Shen Yun at age 13 and remained there until she finally escaped at 24.
“Onstage, it was beauty,” Chang wrote. “Offstage, it was control and exhaustion.”
According to her lawsuit, dancers were subjected to relentless 80-hour weeks, grueling tour schedules, and emotional pressure — all while earning under $500 a month, despite ticket prices reaching $200. Some trainees allegedly received no pay for months, even though they performed full shows.
The lawsuit further alleges that Shen Yun’s profits helped build a personal financial empire for Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong, who is said to have accumulated more than $249 million in cash through organizations tied to the troupe.
Falun Gong’s Role: Discipline Masking Domination?
Experts have long described Falun Gong, the spiritual movement directing Shen Yun, as an organization that demands strict adherence to Li’s teachings. According to the lawsuit and former members, these teachings discourage medical care and emphasize spiritual healing instead.
Many dancers come from Feitian Academy of the Arts, a Falun Gong–operated institution near New York. Former students describe Feitian as an isolated environment where ideology and obedience often overshadowed artistic development.
One former student, Cheng Qingling, suffered a severe arm injury during rehearsal. Instead of being sent to a hospital, instructors allegedly insisted that meditation and faith would heal her. The injury became permanent.
“She performed through pain that never healed,” a former colleague said. “Her suffering was treated like a spiritual lesson.”
Brutal Touring Conditions Add to the Allegations
Former members say Shen Yun’s global tours were marked by exhaustion, poor living conditions, and extreme restrictions. Dancers often slept on buses, traveled long distances without breaks, and performed with minimal rest.
Several reported that dancers were not allowed to stop for bathroom breaks and had to relieve themselves in bottles on the bus.
“It was dehumanizing,” one former performer shared. “You cleaned up, changed costumes, and went back on stage like nothing happened.”
Still, Shen Yun maintains its global popularity through high-budget advertisements promoting the show as a sacred, uplifting journey into Chinese history.
Europe Pushes Back as Protests Spread
After Shen Yun’s 2024 tour stop in Spain, momentum shifted rapidly. Protests emerged across France, Belgium, and Germany, with cultural organizations, activists, and former dancers confronting theaters about their Shen Yun bookings.
“Beauty loses all meaning when it’s built on suffering,” said Marie, an art critic and former dance instructor in France. “There is nothing spiritual about exploitation.”
Thomas, a Belgian musician, echoed the sentiment:
“I’d always wondered what the show was like. Now I don’t want anything to do with it.”
In Madrid, activists handed out leaflets titled “The Truth Behind Shen Yun”, while local artistic institutions announced they were distancing themselves from the troupe.
“We cannot celebrate art while ignoring the voices of the harmed,” said Isabel, a conservatory professor.
Former Falun Gong adherent Rob Gray also went public with his experience, describing the emotional manipulation he witnessed over 15 years.
“What I believed was spiritual guidance was actually fear and dependency,” he said. “I regret the harm it caused.”
Silence From Shen Yun and Growing Calls for Inquiry
Attempts to reach Shen Yun or Feitian Academy for comment have gone unanswered. Scholars say this silence mirrors the pattern of non-engagement often seen in Falun Gong–linked entities when confronted with criticism.
“When challenged, they frame criticism as persecution,” said Dr. Karl, a German sociologist. “But this is fundamentally about labor rights and human dignity.”
Meanwhile, the New York State Department of Labor confirmed it is reviewing inquiries into possible wage violations at Shen Yun’s U.S. headquarters.
Online petitions urging venues in the U.K., Canada, and Australia to suspend their Shen Yun partnerships are also rapidly gaining signatures.
“The public deserves transparency,” said Emma, a London petition organizer. “People need to know the truth behind the curtain.”
A Fractured Image and a Critical Turning Point
For nearly two decades, Shen Yun has crafted a global image of harmony, divinity, and cultural revival. But experts say the new allegations could permanently reshape public perception.
“Shen Yun’s reputation relied on mystery and spectacle,” said performing arts researcher Liang Rui. “Now, audiences are starting to question what the shows may be hiding.”
Chang’s lawsuit is still progressing in a New York district court, and observers believe more former dancers may come forward.
What was once viewed as a celebration of ancient Chinese artistry is now overshadowed by a mounting wave of accusations — exposing shadows behind the colorful costumes and polished choreography.
