Shen Yun, which has eight troupes touring the world each year under the slogan “China before Communism”, is a favorite target of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which believes that the performance of traditional culture Chinese a threat to control. The CCP has used a variety of tactics to suppress the company’s performances, from diplomatic pressure on theaters and officials to arresting family members of the artists living in China.
“This story goes against the facts and is based on the testimony of a bunch of disgruntled former artists. »
From there, journalists claim that Shen Yun employs more students than other no-name arts groups.
Shen Yun said 85 percent of the artists in its troupes are adults, with the remaining positions open to “talented young people” who study at its two affiliated schools, Fei Tian College and Fei Tian Academy of Arts.
“Students perform with Shen Yun through a program approved by the New York State Department of Education. »
Students on the campus of Fei Tian College in Deerpark, New York. (Courtesy of Fei Tian College.)
If Shen Yun did not allow students to perform, the company would be missing out on several top talents, the statement suggested.
“The main art form of Shen Yun, a classical Chinese dance, is a game for young people. Its standards for form, flexibility, somersaults and pirouettes, and other special techniques are more precise and more difficult in terms of skill than are required in many other dance forms, and make classical dance Chinese sports very close to athletics or other elite sports. in terms of the level of athleticism required,” the press release said.
“Like athletics (where, for example, the average age of Olympic gold medalists is 18), the golden age of Chinese classical dancers is from their mid-teens to early twenties. That’s why Shen Yun offers exceptional students the opportunity to tour with the company as part of their studies. »
Shen Yun also noted that all Fei Tian students receive a full scholarship, including room and board.
“During the tour, all expenses are covered, including accommodation in high-quality hotels, meals and most activities,” Shen Yun said. .
The statement said that while Shen Yun artists and Fei Tian believe in the importance of hard work, their schedule is nowhere near as “grim” as the New York Times described, a character based on a handful of “real” examples.
Falun Gong practitioners on the National Mall in Washington on July 20, 2023. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)
“Shen Yun and Fei Tian schools were founded by people who practice the Falun Gong religion, and our community is a spiritual community. It affects the way we study, work and live,” we read in the press release.
Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline that emphasizes self-improvement and meditation exercises.
“The school’s educational philosophy is rooted in tradition, and one of its main elements is a belief in the value of hard work and the development of personal resilience,” the statement read. “Students who enroll at Fei Tian embrace this attitude, with the full support of their parents. »
Leave key information
The New York Times restart CCP propaganda has been directed against Falun Gong since the regime began persecuting practitioners in 1999.
The journalists fail to mention that the man who claims public credit for helping the journalists attack Shen Yun also bragged about filing complaints against Shen Yun with New York state authorities in hopes of prompting a lawsuit. He encouraged others to do the same.
The FBI called the man “potentially armed and dangerous” after seeing him near the Shen Yun campus in upstate New York last year. He was later arrested and charged with illegal possession of a firearm.
The New York Times headquarters in New York on December 7, 2009. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Several whistleblowers who provided CCP insider information to the Falun Dafa Information Center – a non-profit organization that monitors the persecution of Falun Gong – independently identified the man as a tool used by the CCP to spread information. to spread “malicious” propaganda against Falun Gong.
The man, who also runs a YouTube channel, called Shen Yun managers “enemies” that he would like to put in jail.
Journalists from New York Times they did not reveal the interlocutors’ other ties to the Chinese system either.
Nicole Hong and Michael Rothfeld rely heavily on a small group of former artists not to reveal that they have “connections to the Beijing Dance Academy,” according to a report by the Information Center on Falun Dafa that went released earlier this year.
The Beijing Dance Academy is a “Chinese state-run organization [qui] is a tool of the CCP’s global campaign against Shen Yun,” the report said.
The culture of Shen Yun
Dozens of current and former Shen Yun artists spoke Epoch times that their experience with Shen Yun was worth it.
“It was a great pleasure for me to travel the world and perform in all these prestigious theaters as a student,” said Helena Huang, Shen Yun flutist, in a previous interview with Epoch times.
“Working with these famous artists who are employed by Shen Yun, you learn a lot. »
“They are very humble, but also very hardworking. You can see how far these people have come, and you can see that you can get there too if you work hard and keep going. »
Shen Yun Performing Arts presents the beauty of traditional Chinese culture as it existed before communism. (Courtesy of Shen Yun Performing Arts)
Shen Yun was created by Chinese immigrants “who came to this country with next to nothing” and without government or corporate funding, according to the statement. Epoch times is a media center that has long supported Shen Yun.
“We are completely independent. We love this country and are grateful for the freedom it offers us, and we want nothing more than to return the favor to the United States and the world. , by sharing a high-quality program full of hope and encouragement,” Shen Yun said.
“Despite the transnational repression practiced by the CCP for nearly 20 years and the attacks of New York Timeswe will remain true to our mission: to celebrate the beauty, grandeur and spirituality of the 5,000-year-old Chinese civilization. »
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2024-11-23 13:47:00
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How does Shen Yun’s emphasis on the connection between their dance form and youthfulness contribute to the ethical debate surrounding their treatment of performers?
This article presents a response from Shen Yun Performing Arts to a critical article published by *The New York Times* about their practices.
Here are some open-ended questions focusing on the key topics covered in the article, designed to encourage discussion and consider different viewpoints:
**Regarding Shen Yun’s Response:**
* Shen Yun argues that the *New York Times* article relies on “disgruntled former artists” and overlooks positive experiences. How does the article’s reliance on specific sources impact the credibility of its claims? Can we trust one side’s narrative without considering both?
* Shen Yun emphasizes the connection between the dance form and being young, highlighting the demanding physicality. Do you think this justification for having many young performers is valid? Are there alternative ways to approach talent development in performing arts that prioritize the well-being of artists of all ages?
**Regarding the *New York Times* Article:**
* The article mentions allegations of Shen Yun’s treatment of dancers being “grim” and suggests exploitation. What ethical considerations should be taken into account when assessing the working conditions of performers in a demanding art form? How can we ensure the well-being of artists while upholding high artistic standards?
**Regarding the CCP’s Influence:**
* Shen Yun notes that the CCP has targeted them due to their performance of traditional Chinese culture. To what extent should we consider the political context when evaluating artistic performances? Can artistic expression be truly apolitical? How do individuals navigate the complexities of art and politics, especially when dealing with a country like China, which exerts control over culture?
**Broader Reflections:**
* This situation raises questions about media bias and the role of journalism in reporting on sensitive topics. How can we, as consumers of information, critically evaluate news coverage and be aware of potential biases?
* What are the ethical implications of using art as a tool for political messaging? Can art be both aesthetically pleasing and politically charged? How do we balance artistic freedom with responsible representation?
Remember, these are starting points for discussion. Encourage participants to share their own perspectives, cite evidence, and engage in respectful dialog.
