Evolving as a Dancer

I first took up dance at the age of 5, so I have always known that dance was a challenging profession to undertake. To become professional, it’s inevitable that you have to go through intense amounts of training, stretching, and conditioning. Watching your physique is also part of the process; all that can be painful, trying, and even heartbreaking at times.

I myself have gone through a lot of sweat and tears to improve my art, and I don’t regret one bit of it. Being a part of the Shen Yun company has brought my appreciation of dance and the arts to a whole new level. Learning about the profound culture of classical China has brought me home; I rediscovered my own heritage and can be proud of who I am—all while traveling the globe, dancing in the most prestigious theaters, being with the best of friends, and just finding so much purpose in what I do. There is something about this physical art form that is so beautiful and transcendent: connecting to an audience through dance and sending a universal message of beauty, authenticity, and kindness. The final curtain falls, and everything just pays off.

Not only that, the working environment here at Shen Yun has fostered in me so much wisdom. I’ve received so much encouragement from mentors and fellow dancers. They helped me find confidence when I needed it the most and expanded my potential. I recall being dumbstruck and flustered over being cast as an aged mother, as I had no previous experience acting such a serious mature role. My dear peers spent their practice hours to help me find my character. “Remember! Your knees need to be weak! Your walk is still too strong and healthy!” they would say. We were crying from laughter at the fact that I looked more like a confused Neanderthal than an elderly Homo sapiens. Laughter aside, it was through their helpful tips and guidance that I was able to convey myself as a loving mother who lost her child in the dance piece “Devotion.”

Through a vivid spectrum of experiences, the most valuable lesson I learned here was to stay humble and grateful. When I keep these things in mind, the inevitable challenges in life don’t seem so big and dreary; I can embrace everything life throws at me and create my own triumphs. Dance isn’t forever, but the invaluable lessons and experiences I’ve gained in this company will be forever ingrained in my heart.