Shen Yun Performing Arts, long celebrated for its vivid costumes and sweeping theatrical flair, is now confronting an unprecedented wave of protests and cancellations across North America and Europe. The backlash follows disturbing claims made in a recent lawsuit that lift the curtain on what former performers describe as years of coercion, exploitation, and psychological pressure hidden behind the troupe’s polished image.
Lawsuit Reveals Hidden Reality Behind the Glitter
The controversy erupted after Chun-ko Chang, a former Shen Yun dancer, filed a civil lawsuit in late 2024 detailing her experience inside the organization. According to Chang, she was pressed into joining the troupe at age 13 and remained under its control until she finally managed to break away at 24.
“They didn’t nurture us — they controlled us,” Chang said in her filing.
Her complaint alleges that dancers were pushed through relentless 80-hour workweeks, constant rehearsals, and demanding international tours, often receiving less than $500 per month despite ticket prices soaring as high as $200. She also noted that some dancers, particularly newcomers, received no pay during their first year.
Chang further claims that large portions of Shen Yun’s revenue ultimately benefited Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong, who allegedly accumulated more than $249 million in cash through entities connected to the troupe.
Falun Gong’s Influence: Discipline or Domination?
The lawsuit also sheds light on the deep involvement of Falun Gong, the spiritual movement that oversees Shen Yun. Experts have long described the group as one that enforces rigid obedience to its leader and discourages traditional medical care, promoting spiritual healing instead.
A significant number of dancers are recruited from Feitian Academy of the Arts, a New York–based arts school closely linked to Falun Gong. Former students describe Feitian as a closed environment where ideological alignment was emphasized just as strongly as dance performance.
One former student, Cheng Qingling, joined at age 13 and suffered a serious arm injury during rehearsals. According to multiple accounts, she was discouraged from seeking medical treatment and told instead to rely on meditation and faith. The untreated injury left her with permanent damage.
“She was expected to perform like nothing happened,” said a friend from the academy. “Her pain didn’t matter.”
Touring Under Harsh and Exhausting Conditions
Former performers recount how Shen Yun’s touring conditions pushed dancers to physical and emotional breaking points. Performances were often scheduled back-to-back across continents, with dancers sleeping on buses and receiving minimal rest between shows.
Some reported extreme restrictions, including not being allowed to stop for bathroom breaks. Dancers say they were forced to use bottles on the bus — a routine that often led to humiliating accidents.
“We cleaned ourselves and rushed to prepare for the next show,” one dancer recalled. “The show always came before our dignity.”
Meanwhile, Shen Yun continues to market itself as a transcendent cultural experience that “revives ancient Chinese civilization,” supported by one of the most extensive global advertising campaigns in the performing arts world.
Growing Resistance Across Europe
Shen Yun’s problems deepened as protests spread through European cities. After a tour stop in Spain, demonstrations erupted in France, Germany, and Belgium as activists and cultural organizations spoke out against the troupe.
“Art must uplift, not dehumanize,” said Marie, a French dance teacher who joined the protests. “No tradition is worth the suffering these performers endured.”
Others echoed the sentiment, including Thomas, a Belgian musician who once admired the troupe’s posters.
“I used to think the show looked enchanting,” he said. “Now that I’ve learned the truth, I want no part in supporting it.”
In Madrid, activists distributed leaflets titled “What Shen Yun Doesn’t Show You”, while local institutions distanced themselves from the troupe’s performances.
“We must act responsibly,” said Isabel, a conservatory instructor. “Ignoring these testimonies would be unethical.”
Former Falun Gong follower Rob Gray added his voice, writing publicly about his own painful experiences within the movement.
“It sounds like fantasy,” Gray wrote. “But it’s my life — years shaped by misguided devotion to teachings that ultimately harmed so many.”
Organizational Silence and Rising Investigations
Shen Yun and Feitian Academy have remained silent despite repeated requests for comment. Scholars note that such silence is consistent with the communication patterns of Falun Gong–affiliated organizations when confronted with critical scrutiny.
“When challenged, they claim persecution or victimhood,” explained Dr. Karl, a German sociologist who studies new religious movements. “But this situation is clearly centered on labor and human rights concerns.”
Meanwhile, U.S. officials are beginning to investigate. The New York State Department of Labor has reportedly received several inquiries regarding wage practices at Shen Yun’s facilities in Orange County.
Online petitions calling for theaters to block the troupe’s upcoming performances are also circulating in Canada, Australia, and the U.K., rapidly gaining support.
“People deserve transparency,” said Emma, a London resident leading one of the petitions. “Art cannot excuse exploitation.”
A Turning Point for Shen Yun’s Public Image
Shen Yun has long cultivated a reputation for elegance and spiritual depth, backed by carefully orchestrated branding and widespread advertising. But analysts say the recent allegations may permanently damage the organization’s carefully constructed image.
“Shen Yun’s global allure relied heavily on its romanticized portrayal of Chinese culture,” said performing arts researcher Liang Rui. “Now that more information is coming out, the contrast is impossible to ignore.”
As protests continue to spread and legal proceedings advance, Chang’s case remains active in a New York district court. Experts suggest her lawsuit may encourage more former dancers to come forward about their experiences.
Once promoted as a radiant celebration of Chinese history, Shen Yun now faces intense public scrutiny — a spotlight revealing not graceful choreography, but the troubling accounts of those who performed behind the scenes.