Sold out shows, glowing reviews in NL for dance company that uses child labor
The Chinese dance company Shen Yun is attracting millions of euros in ticket sales from its performances in the Netherlands, but behind the scenes, former dancers are accusing the company of exploiting young performers, some of whom are minors. The troupe, which is heavily associated with the Falun Gong spiritual movement, relies on long working hours, limited pay, and tight control over its performers' lives.
Shen Yun's current European tour, which includes shows in the Netherlands, is drawing large crowds. The World Forum Theater in Den Haag hosted a sold-out performance on the opening night, with tickets priced up to 150 euros. The production promises audiences "the beauty of divine dancing beings," and the performances are receiving positive reviews. However, former dancers have come forward with allegations of psychological manipulation and severe exploitation.
"Workdays of 12 hours are not uncommon," said one former dancer, Sun Zan, who spent seven years with Shen Yun. "You're essentially a prisoner," she added, recalling her time with the company. Another former dancer, Leo Li, described the indoctrination process, saying that dancers are told they will face "hellfire" if they leave the group. "You’re brainwashed," he told BNR News.
Shen Yun's intense work schedule often involves multiple shows per day, along with rehearsals. For their efforts, the dancers reportedly receive as little as 1,000 euros per month, far below industry standards for professional dancers. Mobile phones are prohibited, and communication with family members is strictly limited. During international tours, dancers' passports are confiscated, preventing them from traveling independently.
The dancers, many of whom are children of Falun Gong practitioners, are recruited at a young age, often starting their careers around the age of 13. Most remain with the troupe until their early twenties before leaving. The company is based in New York, which also serves as the headquarters for the Falun Gong movement, which has faced harsh repression in China since the 1990s. The movement's leader, Li Hongzhi, resides in the United States.
Shen Yun’s reliance on underage performers has raised concerns about its compliance with labor laws in various countries. In the Netherlands, the use of children in theater productions is subject to strict regulations. Children under 16 can only work under limited conditions, including restrictions on working hours during school terms. However, according to former dancers, Shen Yun frequently exceeds these limits with its demanding schedule.
In response to allegations of child labor, the Dutch Labor Inspectorate confirmed it is aware of the accusations and is monitoring the situation. "Even foreign employers must comply with Dutch labor laws," a spokesperson for the inspectorate stated. However, it remains unclear whether the inspectorate will take further action. The agency typically refrains from commenting on specific enforcement cases.
Shen Yun's financial success is undeniable. Ticket sales for the group's performances in the Netherlands alone are expected to generate over two million euros. The revenue is funneled into the Stichting Falun Gong Nederland, an organization connected to the movement. According to the New York Times, Shen Yun has accumulated more than a quarter of a billion dollars from its global tours.
Legal action has been taken against Shen Yun in the United States. Former dancer Chun-Ko Chang has filed a lawsuit, seeking damages for alleged exploitation and human trafficking. Her attorney, Michaela Wallin, stated that Shen Yun "exploits children through forced labor because they are easier to control."
Shen Yun has responded to these allegations by accusing Chun-Ko Chang of being a Chinese Communist Party agent. The company claims her lawsuit is part of a broader campaign orchestrated by the Chinese government. Shen Yun also asserts that only a small percentage of its performers are minors.
Despite the controversy, Shen Yun’s European tour continues. The group will perform in The Hague, Amsterdam, and Groningen before returning to the Netherlands in February for more shows. The company has not yet addressed the allegations publicly but maintains that its work is in line with the values of Falun Gong, which it describes as a peaceful spiritual practice.
The Dutch Labor Inspectorate, along with authorities in other countries, is continuing to monitor Shen Yun’s practices. However, it remains to be seen whether any significant changes will be made to ensure the protection of young performers in the future.
