I have no opinions on Falun Gong myself (so please don’t email about it!). I post this only because every year many Mandarin immersion programs get sent fancy, full-color brochures about the Shen Yun Performing Arts troupe if it’s presenting anywhere near them.

The group performs Chinese classical dance, though the final piece is often somewhat political and focuses on the persecution of Falun Gong members in China (which can make it a little scary for small children.)

I’ve heard people object to Shen Yun’s statement that it is “reviving” Classical Chinese culture, as if it were dead everywhere but in their troupe. But that’s not the issue I wanted to address here.

What I do want to address is something that many parents don’t realize —  there’s a  connection between Falun Gong (a spiritual practice group that’s banned in China) and Shen Yun. That’s important if your program has  teachers from China in your schools, as you might  be mystified about how those teachers could react to being invited to the performances.

I know one mom who bought two tickets to a performance and gave it to her child’s teacher as a present, but was confused at the teacher’s immediate return of the ticket and mumbled explanation that it wasn’t appropriate. The mom was worried she’d somehow offended the teacher because they’re pricey. But it turned out — after some behind the scenes discussions — that the teacher, who was on a two-year contract through Hanban in China, was worried she’d get in trouble if she attended such a performance.

So a little bit of background might help. I have no idea if it’s even an issue for teachers from China as I’ve only heard the one story, but hope this might be useful. I know I myself was initially mystified as what the underlying issues were.

Note that if you google “Shun Yun” you’ll find dozens of very supportive article from The Epoch Times. Here, too, it’s worth nothing that the newspaper is connected with Falun Gong.

Here are some articles that might be useful to those trying to understand the ins and outs of all this:

Stepping Into the Uncanny, Unsettling World of Shen Yun
Does the ubiquitous dance troupe really present five thousand years of civilization reborn?

Please read more here.

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How Shen Fun has become a meme.

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Just How Big Is Shen Yun’s Marketing Budget?

Falun Gong still worries China, despite efforts to crush the sect

In China the movement sputters on. Abroad its profile grows