Principal Dancer Piotr Huang: Shen Yun Press Conference at Lincoln Center

So for me as an artist, to see the picture that some of the media has painted Shen Yun, the accusations that we have a toxic work environment or that our training is abusive, to me personally, that's very, that's straight. They're just insulting, you know. One of the things that I've learned from Shen Yun is the pursuit of excellence. I believe that in order to achieve excellence, no matter what field, sacrifices need to be made. You know, and in the end, if you want to choose to go through with it, that's completely up to you. You know, actually, two months ago, we were performing in Rome, and we had a chance to visit the Sistine Chapel. And I learned then that Michelangelo, he spent years, often in the dark, painting that ceiling. And after he was done, he developed problems to his eyes, his neck, and his back. That truly inspired me because I think he was willing to sacrifice all that. You know, he chose that path. And even to this day, his works of art inspire and uplift millions of people around the world. And that, to me, is an inspiration. You know, our training, the training of Shen Yun, is not comparable to what I just said, like the Navy SEALs or the Olympic athletes. But it is tough. You know, it is both demanding physically and mentally. And I understand that it is not for everyone. And, but you know, this is the path that we chose. And we're okay with it. Granted, along the way, there'll be some injuries. Actually, last year, I started feeling pain in my Achilles. I grew up a Kobe Bryant fan, so I really wanted to tough it out. In the end, when my company manager found out, she said that I should rest to view my career as a marathon and not a sprint. And I really appreciate that. For me to perform while injured, that would be very irresponsible because we want to bring what's our best to the audience. The accusations that Shen Yun is forcing its performers to perform while injured, I think that's just, that's just not true. Because if you think logically, which performing arts company could thrive if it was forcing its performers to perform while injured? That just doesn't make sense. And then, you know, the success that Shen Yun has had over the years, we've grown from one company to eight companies. And the positive reviews that we have received all over the world is a testament to what Shen Yun is doing, that Shen Yun is on the right path. Actually, one of the most important lessons that I've learned was from my academic teacher who's actually sitting right there. I remember he taught us that the purpose of art throughout the ages is not to entertain, it's more to educate, uplift, and to glorify the divine. And I truly believe that what Shen Yun is doing today is just that, to uplift people and bring them closer to the gods. Today, when I see Shen Yun being attacked from all directions, from the Western media, it really saddens me, and I hope that we can all change that narrative. Thank you.