By: Stella Sun
Q: Grace, can you tell us about your artistic journey and how dance has become a part of your life?
A: I started learning classical Chinese dance when I was very young. I continued my training in the dance department of the Shenyang Conservatory of Music, where I developed a deep appreciation for the grace, power, and emotional depth of traditional Chinese movements. Before moving to the United States, I taught in Beijing for nearly 20 years, founding the Beijing Dane Dance Academy, where I guided a large number of students to enter China’s top art universities. Performing at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics was a turning point for me – it showed me how dance can bring people from different cultures together.
Q: You are recognized for your distinctive approach in blending classical Chinese aesthetics with modern choreography. How do you achieve this balance?
A: To me, tradition is the root, and innovation is the blossom. My choreography always begins from Chinese technique — breath, flow, and energy — but I also explore modern forms and theatrical structures. Works like Dance of One Heart and Seeking are examples of this balance: they keep the soul of Chinese dance while speaking in a language that global audiences can feel and understand.
Q: You founded and led a team of teachers. What is your philosophy as a dance educator?
A: Education is at the heart of everything I do. At Beijing Daien Dance Academy, I teach students not only technique but also artistic discipline and cultural awareness. My goal is to nurture confident, creative dancers who understand where their art comes from. My classes emphasize body expression, rhythm control, and emotional interpretation — combining technical strength with poetic movement.
Q: Many of your students have achieved major competition success in the U.S. Can you share more about that?
A: Yes, I’m incredibly proud of them. My students have received major awards at Showstopper and Kids Artistic Revue (KAR) — including First Place ,Overall high point . But beyond trophies, the most meaningful achievement is seeing them express Chinese dance on American stages, introducing audiences to a new aesthetic beauty.
Q: Let’s talk about your representative works. What do Remembrance and Seeking mean to you personally?
A: Remembrance is about memory — remembering our teachers, families, and the traditions that shaped us. It carries a quiet strength. Seeking is more introspective — it reflects my personal journey of self-discovery as both an artist and a cultural messenger living between two worlds.
Q: You have lived and worked in both Beijing and Los Angeles. How have these cities influenced your creative outlook?
A: Beijing gives me discipline and depth; Los Angeles gives me freedom and inspiration. In Beijing, dance is rooted in heritage. In Los Angeles, I find openness to diversity and experimentation. The two places constantly dialogue in my mind — that’s why I call my work a “bridge of movement.”
Q: What are your goals for the next few years?
A: I plan to continue developing new original pieces that combine visual art, music, and dance. I also hope to organize cross-cultural workshops that bring together Chinese and American students for shared performances. Art has the power to connect hearts — and that’s the essence of my work.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to young dancers?
A: Never forget your roots, but never stop exploring. Technique is your foundation, but emotion is your language. Be brave, be patient, and let your movement tell your truth.
