As a child, I struggled with body insecurity. I was extremely thin and tall, my height always made me feel out of place and a stick figure was only a slight exaggeration of my body. Although I loved hip-hop, my movements were stiff and awkward, I looked like a cardboard box with branches, which only made me more insecure.
Taking my mother's suggestion, I switched to Chinese dance, and there I discovered something unexpected—my figure was complemented for the first time. Realizing that my height and shape was actually an advantage helped me regain confidence and appreciate myself in a new way.
In middle school, I gathered the courage to join a Chinese classical dance team. To my surprise, most of the dancers there were three times my age, my persistence classmates were learning hip-hop or K-pop which made me feel a bit unsociable. Even so, I decided to stay, and my persistence surprised many of the older dancers. They never expected someone from my generation to genuinely love classical dance.
Chinese classical dance is a traditional dance form that comes from the Han ethnic group in China. It developed over thousands of years from ancient rituals, traditional opera, martial arts, and classical Chinese culture. The dance is known for its elegant, smooth movements and its rhythm. Costumes often include flowing sleeves, long skirts, and traditional accessories. As a child of a Han ethnic family, I take great pride in learning my ancestor's dances.
There are 56 ethnic groups in China, each has its own unique culture and traditional dances. Dai dance is one of the most representative traditional dances of the Dai ethnic group. It is known for its graceful, elegant movements, and its flowing, water-like style. Many Dai dances imitate elements of nature, they imitate the image of peacocks, rippling water, and fish that resemble the peace spreading through their lives and gestures in the river. This ethnic group values nature and it but is one of the ethical minorities. I wish to spread the beauty and culture of this ethnic group wherever I go.
Dunhuang dance (Buddhist inspired Chinese dance)
After coming to the United States in 11th grade, I continued to practice dance. I joined the school's Chinese Club and performed with the team around the district and on school campuses to share our culture with others. This country has been so welcoming to me and I wish to bring entertainment and joy to their community through dance in return. I would always perform many styles of traditional Chinese dances, in hopes of presenting the beauty of China's diverse ethnic dances to others.
I joined a competition team here, this was my first time in years to have danced competitively.
Regionalist I placed 3rd in the traditional category
Whenever I'm experiencing anxiety or stress, dance always helps me lift my mood. It has also given me opportunities to understand my cultural roots more deeply and share my heritage with others. Every performance brings me a sense of joy and fulfillment.