Senior reflects on cultural dance style

Sometimes older siblings can be nothing short of inspiring.

That was the case with senior Sophia Lin, then a small child, as she watch her older sister Sherry on stage performing a flowing series of movements that narrate traditional Chinese folk tales.

Sophia was only a toddler, but something clicked as she gazed in admiration.

Sophia later joined the classical Chinese dance program at the China Dance & Arts studio in Cupertino at the age of 5.

Chinese dance is a style that involves elegance and poise, Sophia said. Dancers have to move fluidly to the beat of Chinese music, while making the dance visually pleasing to the audience.

“Chinese dance is different from other styles of dancing,” Sophia said. “It provides a rich source of background into my culture and heritage.”

The dance also features emotional expressions that tell stories about specific aspects of Chinese culture such as historical events, Sophia said. The elements of acting are used to enhance the dance stylistically as dancers gracefully twirl their bodies in fluidity to the melody of the music.

The dancers also use external objects to help convey a message.

“The costumes [we wear] reflect the time period [since] every dance is different,” Sophia said. “The props we use are different too; we have umbrellas, fans, drums [and more].”

Currently, Sophia practices Chinese dance once a week for two hours. She also performs in her dance school's annual showcase; this year’s performance was held at the Mission Center for Performing Arts on the weekend of Oct. 31.

Because Sophia has dance practice on the weekend, she said it adds minimal stress to her schedule and is a  break from her normal life.

“[Dance] actually serves as a stress reliever and gives me a break from all the studying I have to do,” Sophia said.

For Sophia, dance won’t just be a high school hobby. In college, she said she wants to find a Chinese dance school near her campus. She also hopes to dedicate more time to other styles of dance, like ballet; currently, she only practices ballet once a week.

“Dance has provided me with another outlet to express my emotions and culture and is something I will never stop pursuing,” Sophia said.