“What makes me happiest is seeing the audience being moved and applauding for our performance. I feel that all the efforts are worth it,” said Shen Yun intern dancer Joe Zhou. He is touring the world with the Shen Yun Performing Arts Company, visiting various cities in the United States and Puerto Rico. It is hard to imagine that just two years ago, Joe was still an inexperienced teenager, ignorant of the world and addicted to video games. His mother, Ms. Zhou, recently shared her son’s growth journey at Fei Tian Academy of the Arts, highlighting how the school helped him overcome his addiction, rejuvenate himself, and step onto the world’s top stages.
Lost youth
Ms. Zhou said that Joe became addicted to video games in primary school and was immersed in the virtual world all day. “We were busy with work and had no time to care for him. His father also didn’t pay much attention to him because of his depression. So he just played games and constantly watched YouTube videos at home. His eyes seemed unable to open all day, and he completely lost motivation,” she said. Joe suffered academic decline. This worried the parents, but they couldn’t find an effective solution.
Not only that, but the boy also felt resentful of the public school he attended. He once said that the environment was noisy and teachers had lax management of students’ behavior, which made it difficult for him to concentrate on his studies. Over time, his mental state became increasingly depressed, and he lacked goals and focus.
Turning point
In December 2022, Joe reached a turning point — he passed the interview at Fei Tian Academy of the Arts and officially enrolled in January 2023. “We just tried him and didn’t expect to pass the interview on the same day!” Ms. Zhou recalled, “My son told me he hopes to go to Fei Tian as soon as possible.”
The strict discipline and high-level teaching at Fei Tian helped him quickly adapt to the new environment. The school offers systematic dance training and a precise time management system, enabling students to focus on learning and skill development. Joe gradually developed good living habits, had a regular schedule, and actively participated in various courses.
He progressively got rid of his addiction to the Internet. “The academy’s daily program is very tight, from cultural classes to dance lessons, to studying the Fa (referring to reading Zhuan Falun, the main book of Falun Gong) and practicing the exercises. Every day is full and there is no time to go online,” said Joe. The mother was so glad about his change: “I am grateful to the school and its teachers for helping Joe gain good habits and become a sunny and positive child.”
Ms. Zhou also found that her son, who originally had a gloomy complexion and was lethargic, began to become bright and confident, and his physical condition also improved significantly. “He used to have dark skin and looked listless all day long. Not only has he regained his healthy appearance, but he has also grown taller and is now 5 Feet 10 Inches tall,” she said. Joe’s academic performance has also improved. Initially, he struggled with poor math grades, but with individual tutoring from the school, his results improved to an average standard. Joe also mentioned the spirit of mutual help among classmates: “This place is like a big family. Everyone works independently and collaborates with the entire group. This atmosphere makes us progress faster and bond.”
He became a Shen Yun performer trainee
After entering Fei Tian, Joe found himself facing new challenges. As a dance pupil, he needed to reach higher levels and commit to joining the performance team. “He saw senior students dancing so well and wanted to join the group.” However, he also felt the pressure and wanted to return to the low-level class to study for a while. Still, the school supported him through psychological counseling, and he overcame the difficulties.
“The teachers are very experienced. They helped Joe adjust his mindset to cope with the pressure.” Ms. Zhou expressed gratitude for Fei Tian’s educators, who care about students’ academic performance and assist them in their psychological growth.
After numerous training sessions and assessments, the young man gradually became accustomed to high-intensity dance training. He learned to adjust his mindset and respond proactively to challenges, rather than avoiding them. His efforts finally paid off. In the 2024 Shen Yun performance season, he began participating in the global tour as an intern actor.
The footprints are all over the world
“Performing around allows me to hone my skills and be exposed to different cultures.” He admitted that such an experience is something that students from ordinary schools cannot have, and he feels fortunate. As a Shen Yun intern, Joe had to master the complex Chinese classical dance techniques and gain a deep understanding of the roles in Shen Yun dance dramas. He mentioned that some of them describe ancient Chinese figures. “The teacher would tell us many historical tales to help us understand the characters. I would also take the initiative to ask classmates who know more about history to portray them better,” he said. “I learned virtues such as filial piety, respect for teachers, kindness, and perseverance, which have been of great help to my life,” he said.
In the spring of 2024, Joe’s former high school classmates in Canada watched the Shen Yun performance in Hamilton, Ontario. “They were happy for me, and because of this, they learned the real facts about Falun Gong.” Joe was happy that his old friends could understand the truth.
Response to the ‘New York Times’ report
In response to the New York Times report on Shen Yun’s “rigorous training,” Joe said: “As a dancer, maintaining good shape is a professional requirement, but it does not restrict our diet. We also ate barbecue and enjoyed all kinds of food on tour. The key is to keep a healthy physical condition, which is crucial for dancers.” Ms. Zhou said that some Chinese classical dance techniques require high physical fitness, and the teacher thought Joe was too thin, so she encouraged him to eat more to gain weight.
Ms. Zhou further expressed her gratitude to Fei Tian and Shen Yun Performing Arts. She said the school provided the young man with the best education and care, helping Joe grow and offering a full scholarship of tens of thousands of dollars each year, along with comprehensive care. She refuted the New York Times report, saying it was false accusations and an attempt to mislead the public. “Fei Tian takes great care of its students, and its teachers sincerely hope the children thrive. Every member of the Shen Yun Performing Arts Company is fully committed to promoting traditional culture and art. I have witnessed Joe’s great changes. This is a completely positive and fine environment.”
As a trainee actor, Joe is also grateful for the allowance from Shen Yun Performing Arts, which he often uses to buy small gifts for family and friends during tours.
Ms. Zhou suggested that everyone go to see Shen Yun in person rather than rely on specific media reports to judge. “Only when you see the performance in person and feel the shock of dance, music, and culture will you understand the value of all this. Don’t be blinded by lies. Go to see Shen Yun, and you will know the truth.”
Translated by Patty Zhang and edited by Laura Cozzolino
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