CHICAGO—Behind the color, movement, and precision of a Shen Yun performance lies a story that few audience members ever see. That story came into focus in Chicago on Sept. 21, when “Unbroken: The Untold Story of Shen Yun” made its local premiere, drawing an audience of artists, professionals, longtime Shen Yun viewers, and first-time attendees.
Directed by Fiona Young, the documentary examines the lives of Shen Yun artists, their rigorous training, and international tours. It also covers the threats, smear campaigns, and interference that have been directed at the company and its performers. A panel discussion and Q&A with Shen Yun artists followed the screening.
For many attendees, the evening offered a new perspective on a performing arts company they had previously known mainly through its performances, bringing the people and stories behind the stage into sharper focus.
Shen Yun Performing Arts is a classical Chinese dance and music company based in New York. Founded in 2006 by leading classical Chinese artists, the company says its mission is to revive China’s traditional culture through the performing arts. Shen Yun performs at venues around the world each year under the tagline “China Before Communism.”
The company says it has also been repeatedly targeted by interference from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The film explores that history through the experiences of artists and their families, moving between rehearsal studios, touring venues, and personal stories of faith and perseverance.
Several Shen Yun artists attended the premiere, including, front row, from left: Rachel Chen, Amy Yu, and Shindy Cai; and back row, from left: Jared Ren and Leeshai Lemish. (Lin Yi/The Epoch Times)
‘It Was Very Eye-Opening’
Teresa Davis, an arts administrator, said the film gave her a deeper understanding of the history behind Shen Yun and the challenges faced by its performers.
“The movie was actually very amazing,” Davis said. “I did not know that there was that much history behind the dance and the performance. It was very eye-opening to find out more about the history of what’s going on in China, and the struggles that the teams and the troupes go through just to perform the art that they love.”
Teresa Davis, an arts administrator, speaks to NTD at the premiere of “Unbroken." "I don’t think I’ve ever quite seen dance like this," she said. (NTD)
As someone working in the arts, Davis said she could relate to the broader difficulties artists face while developing their craft.
“American artists struggle many times to excel and perform in their crafts, usually due to lack of opportunity or lack of resources,” she said. “So I feel that it’s an all-around concern for the arts. There’s always something that needs to be overcome, whether it is history and being targeted or overcoming a lack of resources and finding opportunities and open doors.”
What stood out most to her was the level of discipline required of the Shen Yun dancers.
“I don’t think I’ve ever quite seen dance like this,” Davis said. “The dancers are extremely talented, and they work very hard to maintain that level of discipline and excellence in their performance.”
Her advice to artists was to “continue to persevere in what they love and what they believe.”
Musicians See Dedication
Raymond and Lisa Schwarzkopf, a retired couple who are both musicians, said the documentary gave them a deeper appreciation of what happens behind Shen Yun’s performances.
Musicians Raymond and Lisa Schwarzkopf at the premiere. Lisa said: "I was not aware of some of the things that the communist government is continuing to cover up." (Lin Yi/The Epoch Times)
Raymond, who plays stand-up bass in jazz, bluegrass, polka, and other musical settings, said a rehearsal scene particularly resonated with him.
“I love the sequence where they showed the rehearsal and how they were talking about the way to play eighth notes and the phrasing of the music,” he said. “It’s so important to get it exactly right so that the dancers can depend on it and react to it properly.”
Raymond said he had seen Shen Yun several times and continued to find the performances powerful.
“Each time it’s just—you want to keep breathing and keep going along with what they’re doing,” he said. “I’ll be perfectly honest with you, I want to be up on the stage with them because it carries you that way.”
Lisa, a retired healthcare corporate risk manager and musician, said the documentary revealed aspects of the story she had not previously known.
“Many things in the movie surprised me,” she said. “I was not aware of some of the things that the communist government is continuing to cover up. I think continuing to shed light on the reality of what’s going on, and also on how media can portray a very false narrative, is important.”
She said she was particularly impressed by the effort involved in investigating and sharing the story.
“For them to go through what they had to go through to really dig and find the truth, and not only find it but share it, takes a lot of guts,” Lisa said. “Kudos to them.”
She encouraged people to experience both the documentary and Shen Yun’s stage production.
“Everybody should go see Shen Yun,” she said. “This is an amazing, uplifting experience. And you should see ‘Unbroken’ as well, because then you see the yin and the yang, if you will, of what it can be and why there is such joy.”
‘The Message Resonates’
Terry Newsome, host of the podcast “Behind Enemy Lines,” said the documentary helped him understand the performers as individuals as well as artists.
Podcaster Terry Newsome said the documentary made him interested in seeing Shen Yun for the first time. (NTD)
“I loved the panel discussion,” Newsome said. “I think the documentary is valuable in a couple of different ways, particularly in understanding the performers and all the things they go through—not just physically and mentally, but also in facing efforts to discredit them and stop them from sharing their message throughout America.”
Newsome said the personal stories shared during the panel made the subject more immediate to him.
“As I heard their stories through the Q&A, including how their families are being affected or arrested, I found myself personalizing it and thinking about some of the things that have been occurring in the United States,” he said. “The message resonates because it is happening here, not just in China.”
He also said the documentary made him interested in seeing Shen Yun for the first time. He plans to take his 88-year-old mother and his wife to a performance.
Newsome said he was interested in learning more about Falun Gong, a spiritual practice based on truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance that is followed by many Shen Yun artists.
“I was surprised by the religion and how they persecuted so many people,” he said. “It made me more interested, and I’d like to learn more about that religion.”
He also appreciated seeing how the young performers connect their art with their cultural heritage.
“I liked watching the young people perform and being so passionate about their performance and how it ties back to their heritage and what they once were in China before the communists took over,” he said.
‘My Heart Is Full’
Author Bill Taylor said he had been aware of Shen Yun for years, including reports of threats against the company, but said the documentary gave him a deeper appreciation for the dedication required of its performers.
Bestselling author Bill Taylor: 'They work so hard and they don’t give up.' (NTD)
“I always knew that they worked hard, but I didn’t realize how hard they actually work,” Taylor said. “I didn’t realize how dedicated they are to their art. That was really touching for me.”
The film also strengthened his interest in attending a Shen Yun performance.
“I really want to go see Shen Yun,” Taylor said. “I love everyone I talked to tonight. They’re wonderful, dedicated people.”
Reflecting on the challenges described in the documentary, Taylor connected the artists’ experience with difficulties he had faced in his own life.
“My heart is full, and I’m sorry to see the struggle,” he said. “But one thing I do know for a fact is that struggle makes you stronger. I’ve had so many difficulties in my life, and when I’ve challenged those difficulties, I became stronger because of them.”
He said the performers’ persistence stood out to him.
“What I notice about the Shen Yun troupe is that they work so hard and they don’t give up,” Taylor said. “That’s courage, and that’s what you need. And always tell the truth.”
Taylor also specifically raised concerns about coverage of Shen Yun by The New York Times.
“I guess the plight of the Chinese attacking, and the fact that The New York Times—it’s obvious that The New York Times isn’t what it used to be, and it’s obvious they didn’t do their homework,” he said.
He said he was troubled by what he viewed as an incomplete presentation of the story.
“It’s a shame,” Taylor said. “We’re in a free country, and we’re not getting really free news. We’re getting a lopsided view of the news. And I’m sorry to hear that.”
An Artist’s Perspective
Lois Jurewicz, a librarian who previously trained in classical ballet, said she connected strongly with the dancers’ rigorous training.
“I have trained in classical ballet for a long time in my past,” Jurewicz said. “So I felt connected to the discipline and the repetition, the stretching, and the drilling over and over. Working on small details until they are just right really brought me back.”
Lois Jurewicz, a librarian who previously trained in classical ballet, had a message for the performers: "I love seeing the joy on your face when you perform." (NTD)
She said the experience reminded her that artistic training can continue to shape a person long after they leave the stage.
“Training and persisting with one craft for a long time is really beneficial,” she said. “Even after you stop dancing, you can carry the values of discipline and excellence with you.”
Jurewicz also said the scenes with performers spending time together offstage helped her see another side of their lives.
“I liked seeing that behind-the-scenes footage,” she said.
Her message to the performers was one of gratitude.
“I would tell them thank you for sharing your beauty and artistry with us,” Jurewicz said. “I love seeing you perform. I love seeing the joy on your face when you perform. Keep your light, and I send you a big hug.”
A Story of Faith, Resilience, and Artistic Discipline
Antinet Thomas, associate director of a nonprofit, described the documentary as “powerful,” highlighting themes of resilience, principles, and love.
“The panel discussion was a nice addition at the end, to get to know the people involved in the academy and what it takes to become a dancer and how dedicated they are to their art,” she said.
Thomas said much of the story was new to her, including the performers’ education and training system.
“Everything about the documentary was, to me, a lesson in culture, religion, and faith,” she said. “To hear the backstory, to learn the history and the founding, and to understand what it takes to put on these shows—everything was new and surprising for me.”
She recommended both the documentary and the stage production.
“It’s a wonderful experience,” Thomas said. “It is an educational experience. It’s one that you won’t forget.”
Shelley Eiler (L) and Rebecca Magallanes at the premiere. “They’re really strong individuals," said Eiler, "and we get to benefit from it when they perform.” (NTD)
Shelley Eiler, a retired human resources manager, said the documentary reminded her of historical examples of people facing opposition because of their beliefs.
“I was thinking about the parallels of history and all those faithful people throughout history,” Eiler said. “So many different faiths have faced opposition because people are trying to believe in something wonderful and beautiful, and then tragic things occur.”
Her friend Rebecca Magallanes, a retired echocardiographer, said she was moved by the artists’ commitment.
“Through art and expression, we have to remember that and continue to carry that forward,” Magallanes said. “It was beautiful.”
Eiler said she was impressed by the performers’ sacrifices and dedication.
“They’re really strong individuals, and we get to benefit from it when they perform,” she said. “So we’re lucky.”
Shen Yun’s 2027 Return
The Chicago premiere came as Shen Yun marked its 20th anniversary season and announced its return to the Chicago area in March and April of 2027.
For the performers, the new season will bring another round of new choreography, music, costumes, and training, as Shen Yun features an entirely new production every year.
Shen Yun artist Amy Yu: “Every year the audience sees a brand-new show." (Lin Yi/The Epoch Times)
Amy Yu, a Shen Yun dancer, said the annual process of developing a new production is also an opportunity for the artists to improve.
“If you’ve already seen the show, we have a new show and a new season every single year, with new dances and new choreography,” Yu said. “Every year the audience sees a brand-new show, and we as dancers continue to improve and perfect our craft.”
She said the challenges described in the documentary have strengthened her determination.
“Even though we are hit with all these attacks, whether it’s from the media, lawsuits, bomb threats, or death threats, it really reinforces my own determination and motivation,” Yu said.
For Yu, the central reason for continuing is her belief in the cultural mission of the company.
“It’s really because I believe in what we’re doing—reviving traditional Chinese culture,” she said. “My faith in that and my belief are strong enough that no matter what kind of opposition comes, it’s not going to stop me from doing what I’m going to do.”
