Shen Yun, a cultural performance founded by Chinese immigrants in 2006, has become a global phenomenon, despite facing ongoing persecution from the Chinese regime.
In 2006, a small group of first-generation Chinese immigrants, some of whom were fleeing religious persecution, gathered in upstate New York with a shared dream: to revive the traditional arts and culture that were being decimated in China. By the end of that year, they crafted the first performance of what would become Shen Yun.
In less than two decades, Shen Yun has transformed from humble beginnings into a global cultural phenomenon, performing across five continents and in over 200 cities each year. Today, it stands as a testament to beauty, faith, courage, and inspiration, celebrating two decades of artistic expression.
However, this American success story comes at a significant cost. Shen Yun was founded by practitioners of Falun Gong, a Buddhist spiritual practice that has faced brutal suppression by the Chinese regime. Although these artists sought freedom in the United States, they found that the dangers of persecution followed them across the ocean.
Over the years, the organization has experienced numerous challenges, including intrusions by Chinese spies at their headquarters, burglaries at artists’ homes, sabotage of their performance buses, cyberattacks on their websites, and pressure from Chinese embassies urging governments and theaters to cancel Shen Yun’s performances. Additionally, smear campaigns have targeted the group across various American media platforms.
Today, the persecution continues, manifesting in a series of lawsuits and death threats aimed at discrediting and destroying Shen Yun and its artists.
Despite this transnational persecution, Shen Yun remains steadfast in its vision and mission, continuing to thrive and garner overwhelmingly positive feedback from audiences around the world. The impact of their performances is evident, as many attendees describe their experiences as transformative and unforgettable.
Shen Yun is not merely a dance performance; it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that invites audiences to witness the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and history. For those interested in attending, tickets can be purchased at ShenYun.com/CA or by calling the hotline at 888-633-6999.
According to India Currents, the resilience of Shen Yun in the face of adversity speaks volumes about the dedication of its founders and performers.