Located in the Hudson Valley region of New York State, Dragon Springs is a site of cultural significance. (Dragon Springs）
[People News] According to reports from the Dajiyuan New York Bureau, the Shen Yun Performing Arts is internationally renowned, yet the Dragon Springs campus, which has nurtured many outstanding artists, is rarely open to the public. On October 17, the True Heart Film Company held a special screening of 'Unyielding' at Dragon Springs. The temple invited federal, state, and county officials, as well as business leaders, community members, and artists to visit, allowing them to engage directly with Shen Yun artists and gain a deeper understanding of their journey in preserving classical arts and the challenges they face.
On that day, over 150 guests from various sectors visited the Dragon Springs campus in the Hudson Valley, which includes the Shen Yun Performing Arts, Feitian University, and Feitian Academy of the Arts, and collectively watched 'Unyielding: The Story Behind Shen Yun.' After the screening, several main characters from the film attended a panel discussion, sharing their personal experiences and engaging in a live Q&A with the audience.
Dragon Springs, located in northern New York State, spans approximately 400 acres and features classical gardens and traditional-style architecture. It serves as an important venue for the preservation and education of traditional arts. Over the past twenty years, it has nurtured numerous Chinese classical dancers, musicians, and stage production talents.
Although Shen Yun Performing Arts has gained worldwide recognition, opportunities for the public to visit its headquarters and witness the behind-the-scenes environment where artists train, rehearse, and create performances each year are rare. During the beautiful autumn season in the Hudson Valley, guests seized this unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Shen Yun's environment and the daily lives of its artists, with many expressing feelings of awe and inspiration.
The day's events began with a guided tour led by a tour guide, showcasing the Tang Dynasty-style temple complex and campus. This was followed by a screening of the documentary "Unbreakable" in the theatre located within the park. After the film, guests engaged in a discussion with the film's main characters and further interacted with Shen Yun artists during a tea gathering.
On October 17, 2026, the discussion on "Unbreakable" was moderated by Steve Lance (far right), a host from New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD), who also serves as the investigative reporter and executive producer of the documentary. The panel included (from left to right) Shen Yun program host Lin Lishan, students from the Dance Department of Feitian University, Shen Yun performers Bao Zhengyu and Bao Mingyu, lead dancer Huang Jingzhou, Lin Anqi; Shen Yun orchestra violist Chen Danlei; and former Shen Yun dancer, now head of the Dance Department at Feitian University Northern Campus, Chen Chaohui. (Samira Bouaou/The Dajiyuan)
On October 17, 2026, guests at Longquan Temple in the Hudson Valley region of New York State watched the film "Unbreakable." (Samira Bouaou/The Dajiyuan)
On October 17, 2026, at the Dragon Springs temple, which is home to the Shen Yun Performing Arts, several artists from Shen Yun attended the special screening of the film "Unyielding." (Samira Bouaou/The Dajiyuan)
Dragon Springs is located in the Hudson Valley region of New York State. (Samira Bouaou/The Dajiyuan)
"Unyielding," produced by Sincere Pictures, is the first documentary centred on Shen Yun. Filmed in the Hudson Valley, the documentary delves into the controversies and challenges that the Shen Yun Performing Arts has encountered during its two decades of global tours.
Director Fiona Young remarked, "The performers featured in this film are not political figures; they are a group of young artists. Driven by their passion for dance and exceptional physical expressiveness, they seek the meaning of life and convey their inner emotions and beliefs." She added, "Their courage and resilience showcase the immense strength of the human spirit and the invaluable quality of refusing to yield to fear."
Twenty years ago, Shen Yun was established by a group of dedicated volunteers who shared a vision to revive the beauty and deep spiritual essence of traditional Chinese culture while exposing the tyranny of the Chinese Communist Party to the world. Shen Yun Performing Arts Vice President Chen Ying expressed, "It is truly moving to witness this vision come to life and to see it shine on the world's premier stages. This documentary not only captures the remarkable artistic achievements Shen Yun has accomplished in just two decades but also highlights the resilient spirit that made it all possible."
During their visit, guests gained firsthand insight into how the artists have gradually shaped today's artistic expression. Lead dancer Huang Jingzhou noted, "Our training is incredibly rigorous; every jump, every turn, and every dance move requires repeated practice and constant refinement. Yet, it is this strict training and discipline that result in the seemingly effortless and natural beauty of our performances on stage."
Guests expressed genuine admiration for the scenic and spiritual beauty of Longquan Temple. They commended the Shen Yun performers for their unwavering spirit in the face of threats and disruptions, and called for the widespread sharing of 'Unbreakable' and the truth.
On October 17, 2026, at Longquan Temple in the Hudson Valley, New York, guests engaged with artists during a tea gathering. (Samira Bouaou/The Dajiyuan)
On October 17, 2026, guests interacted with artists during a tea gathering at Longquan Temple in the Hudson Valley of New York State. (Samira Bouaou/The Dajiyuan)
Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano (first from the left) attended the tea gathering at Longquan Temple on October 17. (Dai Bing/The Dajiyuan)
After watching the film "Unbreakable" at Longquan Temple in the Hudson Valley region of New York State on October 17, 2026, guests participated in a tea gathering with artists. (Samira Bouaou/The Dajiyuan)
On the same day, Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler (centre) was present at the special screening of "Unbreakable" held at Longquan Temple as part of the "Sincere Film" event. (Samira Bouaou/The Dajiyuan)
The documentary "Unbreakable" had a special screening at Longquan Temple on October 17, 2026. Shen Yun dancers Da Shi Zhong Tian (first from the left), Che Xing Hao (second from the right), Shen Yun program host Lin Li Shan, and former professional ballet dancer Frank Dellapolla (second from the left) took a group photo together. (Dai Bing/The Dajiyuan)
On October 17, 2026, the documentary "Unbreakable" had a special screening at Longquan Temple. The film's characters, Bao Mingyu (Lucas Browde, centre) and Bao Zhengyu (Jesse Browde, right), both students from the dance department at Feitian University and Shen Yun dancers, were present at the premiere event. (Dai Bing / The Dajiyuan)
On the same day, Shen Yun dancers Zhou Zhengye (third from left) and Zhou Zhengjie (second from right) attended the special screening alongside their family and friends. (Dai Bing / The Dajiyuan)
The former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark expressed amazement and called for the widespread promotion of "Unbreakable."
Richard Nelson Swett, the former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark and a former Congressman, was once an architect. After touring Longquan Temple, he remarked, "I have always been very interested in their dance troupe and their performances in Washington, D.C. Over twenty years ago, when this area was just a hillside, I visited here personally."
"Seeing everything that has been constructed here today, I am truly amazed. It is beautiful, and I believe this place has successfully captured the spiritual essence that was originally intended to be showcased."
Regarding the documentary 'Unyielding Spirit,' which highlights the indomitable spirit of Shen Yun performers, he expressed his hope that more people will have the opportunity to see it. "To achieve this goal, we all need to put in our efforts to help promote this initiative," he stated.
Venture Capitalists and Tech Entrepreneurs: A Group of Volunteers Creating a Paradise
Rod Martin, a venture capitalist and tech entrepreneur, founder and chairman of Rod Martin Capital, was present at the tea gathering at Longquan Temple on October 17. (Samira Bouaou/The Dajiyuan)
Rod Martin also expressed admiration for the challenges and accomplishments associated with the establishment of Shen Yun.
“Longquan Temple is truly an extraordinary place, and the achievements made here are remarkable, especially considering it was once just a swamp and forest,” he remarked. “Then a group of volunteers arrived and began to create a paradise here. It’s genuinely impressive.”
After viewing the film, Martin expressed that “the documentary is exceptional” and “it highlights the extraordinary courage of the performers.” He noted, “No one would expect that joining a dance troupe could lead to being tracked and threatened with bombs. Yet, this also reveals the evil and madness of the Chinese Communist Party.”
Martin commended the qualities and virtues of the Shen Yun performers: “Excellence requires virtue, which many people lack today, but you can see it in these dancers, who stand firm in the face of persecution.”
The town councillor commented on the visit, describing it as very positive and uplifting.
Town Councillor Don Sileo from the Town of Wallkill shared his thoughts on the visit, describing it as “very positive and uplifting.” He found the overall experience to be “excellent”: “Exploring the entire campus, listening to speakers share their personal experiences related to this site, and gaining a deeper understanding of the history of these temples and the significance of everything on the campus made me truly appreciate it.”
He was inspired by the fearless spirit of the Shen Yun performers, stating, “These artists convey the little-known story of China before communism through their art. I witnessed the humility and humanity in these performers.”
These young performers execute astonishingly difficult movements with their bodies, and their stage presence is both beautiful and awe-inspiring. More importantly, the spirit and inner strength they convey through their performances are equally touching.
Ultimately, he remarked, "This visit has truly given me a very positive and uplifting experience."
Community leaders are planning to submit a report to the governor's office to clarify the facts.
On October 17, New York community leader Martha Flores-Vazquez (Martha Flores-Vazquez, centre) posed for a photo with Shen Yun artists at Longquan Temple. (Dai Bing / The Dajiyuan)
Ms Martha Flores-Vazquez, the Democratic leader of New York State Assembly District 40, expressed her excitement after watching the documentary.
"It was truly wonderful, showcasing tremendous courage." After spending a day at Longquan Temple, she felt as though she had "become part of all the beautiful things here," noting that "the performers displayed exceptional talent and achievements, and the highly integrated school is simply remarkable!"
She praised the Shen Yun artists: "The seeds you plant today will blossom tomorrow; you are radiating brilliance everywhere."
"I can submit a report to the governor's office regarding the 'non-existence of exploitative behaviour,' and perhaps they can take severe action against those who deliberately smear Shen Yun, helping the public understand why this occurs and why we must put a stop to it," she stated.
Senior legal advisor: 'Indestructible' is outstanding.
Vaughn Spencer is a senior legal advisor at the Dhillon Law Group and has previously served in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG) and the U.S. Department of Justice. After watching the documentary "Unyielding," he expressed that as a father, he can relate to the concerns of Levi, a character in the film—two children involved with Shen Yun constantly face threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Regarding the CCP's repeated attempts to disrupt and undermine Shen Yun's global performances, Spencer stated, "We have the full support of the FBI to investigate such cases... This film is excellent at raising public awareness."
He expressed great anticipation to see a Shen Yun performance, saying, "Right now, it’s urgent; I need to go see the show."
Former Judge: Shen Yun Performers Exhibit Strong Will and Firm Beliefs
Former judge and attorney Richard Guertin (right) attended a tea gathering at Longquan Temple on October 17. (Samira Bouaou/The Dajiyuan)
Richard Guertin, a former judge and attorney from Middletown, New York, remarked, "As a lawyer trained in the law, I understand that anyone can file a lawsuit and make any allegations they wish. However, the purpose of establishing a legal system is to ascertain the truth and allow these allegations to be questioned and examined in court."
“Just because someone files a lawsuit does not guarantee they will win, nor does it imply that the accusations they make are necessarily valid,” he stated.
Gertin remarked, “What truly stands out to me is the strong determination and unwavering belief demonstrated by the actors and everyone involved. They are willing to confront numerous challenges and difficulties, and despite the arduous journey, they continue to persevere because they understand they are engaged in something that goes beyond personal interests and carries greater significance.”
Company President: The more people hear the voice of Shen Yun, the better society will become.
Luca Layden, the president and CEO of a public relations firm in the United States, expressed that after watching “Unbreakable,” he felt “deeply inspired”: “The story is profoundly impactful.” He commended all participants in Shen Yun and hopes that as many people as possible will attend the performances.
“From a public relations standpoint, I find this film exceptional; it not only serves as excellent branding but also directly addresses the core theme—the suffering endured by young people and the ongoing struggles they face,” Layden explained. “The more their voices are heard, the better society will be.”
“This tour has made me eager to return for another visit,” he praised Longquan Temple for its “beautiful surroundings, and I envy these children for having such a fantastic place to learn and enjoy.” He further noted, “The moral and spiritual beauty found here is also worth reflecting upon; such beauty can genuinely resonate with any faith community, and it is incredibly powerful.”
Artist: In my view, this embodies heroism.
Visual artist Natosha Keefer (Natosha Keefer, right) participated in a tea gathering at Longquan Temple on October 17. (Samira Bouaou/The Dajiyuan)
After visiting Longquan Temple, mixed media visual artist Natosha Keefer felt "overwhelmed." As an artist, she witnessed firsthand the experiences of Shen Yun artists, observing how they perform on stage without interference from the Chinese Communist Party, dedicating their talents and souls entirely to the audience. "In my eyes, this exemplifies heroism."
"Today, my most profound realisation is that we have the right to voice our opinions, and we should actively share our thoughts with the community, making it known that the current situation must change so that they (the Shen Yun artists) can truly express themselves," she stated.
WNRC Special Events Committee Chair: Deeply Moved
Sandra Baruch, Chair of the Special Events Committee of the National Republican Women’s Club (WNRC), expressed her astonishment after visiting Longquan Temple: "Oh my! I truly wish I could have attended a school like this. I was deeply moved when I saw those halls and all the stunning sights."
Upon learning that the Flying Phoenix students go to the temple pagoda to unwind and relieve stress, she noted that all these individuals engage in very peaceful activities, having learned from the ancient practice of Falun Gong.
"I spent two and a half hours getting here, but it was definitely worth it," Baruch stated. She mentioned that after returning, she would share her exciting journey on the two radio stations she collaborates with, WABC and WOR 710.△
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