China’s Fear: Why a Dance Show Sparks Communist Fury

China’s Fear: Why a Dance Show Sparks Communist Fury

A new documentary, Unbroken, is shining a light on Shen Yun Performing Arts. This isn’t just about a dance company; it’s about a cultural battle. Leysi Lemish, a master of ceremonies for Shen Yun, explains why the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) fears this group so much.

A Glimpse Behind the Curtain

For 20 years, Shen Yun has kept its inner workings private. Now, for the first time, they are opening up in the documentary Unbroken. The film offers a look behind the scenes, showing rehearsals, headquarters, and the people who make the magic happen. This move comes as Shen Yun has grown rapidly, becoming one of America’s fastest-growing performing arts companies.

Lemish states that the company wants people to understand who they are, what they do, and why their work is important. The documentary aims to show the world the challenges Shen Yun faces, including pressure, spying, and sabotage from the CCP, even here in America. This, Lemish argues, is a warning sign for everyone.

More Than Just a Dance Show

So, why would a powerful government like the CCP target a performing arts company? Lemish believes the answer lies in what Shen Yun represents. The company showcases China before communism, a time when traditional Chinese culture flourished. The CCP has spent decades trying to erase this history and culture. Shen Yun’s performances bring this ancient heritage back to life through dance and music, directly challenging the CCP’s narrative.

The performances also tell the story of modern-day China. They highlight the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, people who believe in the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. These individuals, who seek only peace and the freedom to practice their spirituality, face brutal treatment, including torture and even death, in China. Shen Yun’s dances depict this brutality and the peaceful resistance of the practitioners, a story the CCP has desperately tried to silence for over 20 years.

An American Success Story Under Threat

Lemish describes Shen Yun as an American success story. Its growth is attributed to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from dancers and musicians to costume designers and volunteers. However, the company’s spiritual foundation is also key. Its performers practice Falun Gong and strive to live by its core values. This spiritual aspect fuels their mission to preserve traditional Chinese culture and raise awareness about human rights abuses.

The company was founded in response to the humanitarian crisis in China. The goal was to use art to show the world the beauty of pre-communist China and the suffering of Falun Gong practitioners. The response from people in China, who eagerly await the day Shen Yun can perform there freely, deeply motivates the company.

Universal Themes, Powerful Impact

Audiences often find Shen Yun’s performances deeply moving. The stories told are about traditional Chinese culture, but the ideals presented—courage, loyalty, kindness, integrity—are universal. In a world often filled with negativity, Shen Yun offers positivity, hope, and inspiring stories. People from all walks of life, with different beliefs and backgrounds, report feeling a renewed perspective on life and a motivation to do better.

This positive impact is what drives Shen Yun forward, despite the threats and disinformation campaigns from the CCP. Lemish sees the inspiration in the audience’s eyes during the curtain call, confirming that their work has a profound, beneficial effect beyond entertainment and education.

The Meaning of ‘Unbroken’

The documentary’s title, Unbroken, reflects the spirit of the Shen Yun artists and staff. It speaks to their resilience in the face of immense pressure, threats, and difficulties. While many performing arts companies struggle, Shen Yun continues to grow and inspire. This unbroken spirit, Lemish believes, is a story that resonates with people and empowers them to overcome their own challenges.

Why This Matters

The CCP’s intense focus on suppressing Shen Yun reveals a deep-seated fear of cultural and spiritual freedom. It shows how the Party views traditional culture and independent spiritual beliefs as threats to its power. The actions taken against Shen Yun, from spying to spreading disinformation, highlight the CCP’s extensive efforts to control narratives even outside of China. This transnational repression serves as a stark reminder that the CCP’s reach is long and its intolerance for dissent is absolute. Shen Yun’s story is not just about art; it’s a case study in the struggle for cultural preservation and human rights against an authoritarian regime.

Looking Ahead

Shen Yun continues to tour globally, bringing its message of traditional culture and human rights to new audiences. The documentary Unbroken offers a deeper understanding of the company’s mission and the challenges it overcomes. As the CCP’s influence operations become more sophisticated, stories like Shen Yun’s become crucial for raising awareness and fostering resistance to authoritarian overreach. The company’s ability to thrive and inspire, despite these obstacles, suggests a growing global appreciation for authentic cultural expression and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Source: Shen Yun Emcee Explains Why the CCP Targets the Performing Arts Company (YouTube)