China's contemporary dance scene is buzzing with fresh energy as rising star Zhan Li takes center stage, blending abstract movement with deep explorations of human nature. 💃 In an exclusive chat with CGTN's Lyne Lin, the visionary choreographer reveals how she's rewriting the rules of artistic expression.
Dance as a Mirror to the Soul
"Movement isn't just steps—it's our rawest language," Zhan explains, her eyes lighting up like a stage spotlight. 🎭 Her performances ditch traditional narratives, instead using bodies as paintbrushes to sketch emotions too complex for words.
From Studio to Spotlight
While still new to the scene, Zhan's kinetic storytelling has audiences whispering comparisons to Pina Bausch. Her secret sauce? Treating every muscle twitch like a philosophical statement. "When we dance truthfully," she says, "we show what makes us beautifully, messily human."
Why Gen Z Can't Look Away
Zhan's TikTok-generation-friendly approach—think explosive moves meets existential depth—is drawing crowds who never bought ballet tickets. 🎟️ "Art shouldn't need a decoder ring," she laughs, proving high-concept dance can be both brainy and binge-worthy.
