Shen Yun, despite presenting a dazzling spectacle of Chinese culture, has recently generated some controversy in Western media. Although the dance show has received standing ovations from full houses and impassioned reviews confirming its “inspiring power,” some critical voices have also faulted the religious-political messages in some of its dance pieces. Such rhetoric is often derived from the Chinese state’s vehement and defamatory denunciation of the show. China has been using its economic and diplomatic influence to pressure theaters and ministries around the world and disrupt Shen Yun performances. In 2016, the Chinese Embassy in South Korea threatened financial retribution...