PEOPLE | INSPIRATION 靈 感 祥 雲 繚 繞 , 仙 女 起 舞 於 瓊 樓 玉 宇 之 間 。 通 過 中 國 古 典 舞 在 舞 臺 上 獨 特 的 身 韻 展 現 , 王 琛 將 內 心 真 實 的 情 感 用 肢 體 語 言 自 然 流 露 , 深 深 打 動 著 來 自 世 界 各 地 的 觀 眾 。 www.shenyun.com 68
moon goddess, and she threw her whole heart into it. “I heard the accompanying music many, many times to understand the changes <strong>of</strong> the character’s emotions,” says Wang. She recorded every rehearsal, studying them with choreographers to perfectly harmonise emotion, movement and music. “I really put myself into the shoes <strong>of</strong> Chang’E.” Wang’s devotion to forging a stronger bond between spirit and body was transformative, both for her, personally, and for those watching. “My performance was completely different this time,” says Wang. “I learned how to express my emotions and how to naturally transmit them to the audience. When the mind has a slight reaction, the bones and muscles have subtle changes, transmitting the right message.” This effortless interplay <strong>of</strong> mind and motion added a dimension to dance that Wang cherishes now more than ever. “In the past, whether I was made to be the lead dancer or play another role, I didn’t care too much. But now I regard the lead as a precious opportunity. From now on, I try my best to perform perfectly for every role, every minute, and every second I get.” Outside in In her quest to cultivate her craft by looking inside, Wang also looks outside herself, finding new sources <strong>of</strong> inspiration for growth. Mentoring the next generation <strong>of</strong> Shen Yun dancers is “a learning process for me, which enriches my experience.” Seeing through another’s eyes helps her become more selfless. “I have to help them according to their individual needs to solve their problems,” says Wang. And the advice <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong> her teachers <strong>of</strong>ten echoes in her mind. “When I was a teen, one teacher told me that if I wanted to learn dance, I had to learn to be a good person first, and then to influence others,” she says. “It’s not just a kind <strong>of</strong> pressure but a driving force.” A newfound adoration for heritage has also become an integral component in her dancer’s toolbox, allowing her to better understand the rich complexity <strong>of</strong> the characters she portrays on stage. “When I visited historical sites around the world in the past, I just browsed them,” says Wang. “Now I learn the historical background in advance and carefully watch everything, such as the bricks and tiles and the construction <strong>of</strong> the architecture. I might eat at specialty shops to taste “I hope I can always dance. the real local flavour.” I will dance however long As Wang travels around the world, sharing centuries <strong>of</strong> authentic Chinese heritage, she lives I can.” amidst a painful irony — Shen Yun can’t perform in the birthplace <strong>of</strong> this beautiful culture. Since the Cultural Revolution in the ’60s, the communist regime has waged war on China’s sacred traditions. This, coupled with missed opportunities in her youth, has left a pain in her heart. “I lived in the ancient city <strong>of</strong> Xi’an when I was young,” says Wang. “Because historic monuments were all over the city, I didn’t feel they were rare.” Not visiting the famous Terracotta Army or the Mausoleum <strong>of</strong> the First Qin Emperor has left her “feeling so regretful.” So for now, Wang experiences her homeland’s majestic culture on stage with the rest <strong>of</strong> the world, a gift for her as much as them. “Modern people always look for ways to vent their emotions, such as happiness and dissatisfaction with life,” says Wang. “But it’s hard for them to find an adequate way, so they might do something extreme. As a result, many strange and bad things happen in society. I’m lucky to find dance to express myself with my body.” A joy and authenticity radiate from her, giving new meaning to the words “legendary character.” She smiles. “I hope I can always dance. I will dance however long I can.”