What Makes Shen Yun Special

My name is Daniel Zhang, and I would like to share a little of my experience with Shen Yun. I can say, without a doubt, that Shen Yun has provided the best opportunities for an aspiring young artist like myself.

I’m currently a junior studying classical Chinese dance at Fei Tian College, which is affiliated with Shen Yun Performing Arts. One of the highlights of my college program is the practicum tour with Shen Yun. This has provided me the opportunity to travel around the world performing on renowned stages, something some artists never get to do in their entire lives. All the while, I don’t have to worry about food or shelter since it’s taken care of by the company, and I get valuable real world experience by performing alongside professional dancers. In economics, there’s a famous acronym “TINSTAFL.” There is no such thing as a free lunch, but for me, Shen Yun has been the closest thing to that. For me, a young artist looking for opportunities, Shen Yun has been a godsend.

I think one thing that sets Shen Yun apart from other artistic experiences I’ve had is the often misinterpreted religious affiliation. Many members of Shen Yun practice Falun Dafa. It is everyone’s personal choice. Falun Dafa has taught me how to become a better person by following the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. As a millennial, I witnessed the world change at an unprecedented pace. It’s easy to get lost in all the hubbub, and it’s easy to feel lost. However, I believe that no matter how much everything changes, principles don’t change. Falun Dafa has given me my guiding principles, and I see it in Shen Yun’s environment. Everyone meets bad bosses or has that one coworker who just seems to have it out for you, but from my experience, that’s rare if not nonexistent here. I feel genuinely safe, because I know I have a community of people who have the same religious beliefs as me, and are striving, like how we’re taught by Falun Dafa, to become a better person.

I still remember when I severely dislocated my elbow. That was during my first practicum with Shen Yun, and I was the newbie of the group. After my injury, not only my close friends but many principal dancers from different troupes came up to me and asked how I was holding up. I was dumbfounded and touched by everyone’s genuine concern and desire to help me out.

I was taken to a doctor who put my elbow back in place and told me I had dislocated it really seriously. In fact, she was worried I wouldn't be able to fully extend my arm again. Under these circumstances, Shen Yun still provided for me while I was recovering, despite the fact that I was temporarily out of commission. My spot was left open during rehearsals in case I wanted to follow along, and I had constant support from fellow dancers and dance instructors. Today, I am fully recovered with no lasting side effects.

Shen Yun has given me so many opportunities to mature into a professional dancer, but I think the most valuable gift I’ve received is an environment to practice Falun Dafa and become a better person. My hope is to pass on the values I've learned, helping to make the world a better place.