**Behind the Beauty of Shen Yun: The Dark Reality of its Creation** In the world of classical dance and opera, there's a mesmerizing show called Shen Yun that has captivated audiences globally with its breathtaking performances celebrating 5,000 years of Chinese civilization. But beneath its stunning costumes and elaborate sets lies a shocking truth, revealed by former dancers and followers of the Falun Gong movement behind the show. An investigation by RFI uncovered allegations of psychological coercion, untreated injuries, and forced labor involving minors. Shen Yun's global touring production was created by followers of the Falun Gong movement, a spiritual organization founded in China in 1992 by Li Hongzhi. The movement combines elements of Buddhism with traditional Chinese qigong practices. For John Smithies, a former follower who spent 20 years with the Falun Gong movement, including a senior role at its newspaper, Epoch Times, the reality of Shen Yun's creation is starkly different from its public image. One of the most disturbing accounts comes from a dancer who revealed to Smithies that Shen Yun performers are told that mistakes during performances can prevent the audience from attaining "eternal salvation." This message was allegedly shared with 14 and 15-year-old performers, placing immense pressure on them and amounting to mental torture. Two former dancers have filed complaints against the organization, alleging forced labor by minors, untreated injuries, and psychological coercion that pushed teenagers to work for over 15 hours a day. Shen Yun's performances, which combine classical dance, opera, and a symphony orchestra, last for two and a half hours and are performed by eight touring troupes that travel across several continents, attracting over a million theater-goers annually. Tickets to Shen Yun's performances typically cost around €75, making it a lucrative business. But behind the scenes, former dancers paint a disturbing picture of a culture that prioritizes perfection over performer welfare. As the investigation by RFI reveals, the dark reality of Shen Yun's creation raises important questions about the treatment of performers and the true cost of artistic excellence. In Nigeria, similar concerns have been raised about the treatment of performers in the entertainment industry, particularly in the context of our growing cultural sector. As we celebrate our rich cultural heritage, we must also ensure that those who bring it to life are treated with dignity and respect. The story of Shen Yun serves as a reminder that the pursuit of artistic excellence should never come at the cost of human well-being.