Doudou Huang: Dancing is My Soul
“Do not really know if it is dancing chose him, or he is the one to choose to dance. Without doubt, he and dancing are as one which could not be separated.”
On the evening of April 19, Mr. Doudou Huang, a famous young choreographer in China, visited The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen and shared his experience in his pursuit of artistic dreams.
He started his dancing career with "Beating Drums while Drunk" performed on China National TV’s Spring Festival Gala Evening.
Mr. Doudou Huang performed "Chinese Kung Fu" at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Athens.
Mr. Doudou Huang choreographed and performed in "The First Emperor" at the Metropolitan Opera, USA. (Stage photo)
Mr. Doudou Huang was giving his speech
Ms. Dorothy Wong, Director of University Planning and Coordination Office, and Administrative Services Office, presented a customized souvenir to Mr. Doudou Huang.
Mr. Doudou Huang posed with students and teachers
▲ This is my first time to meet a top artist face to face. It is as amazing as if I have encountered a live protagonist from a novel. Those firm eyes of his on the poster were appealing and his humor and wisdom were equally impressive. What an experience! I felt the charm of dancing which is beyond skills and choreography.
▲ As excepted, the room was packed with audience. Doudou Huang is good at what he does. Furthermore, his charisma is irresistible. He is a gifted artist who keeps working on his dance. I particularly like how he interprets philosophic issues through choreography. What a brilliant speech!
▲ He was my idol when I was a child. I was surprised to find that how skillful a male dancer could be. I have also learned that choreography can be a way of expression and a pursuit of cultural values.
▲ I have benefited a lot from his speech. Doudou talked about creation and integration of choreography, opera, movie, and music from a dancer's perspective. He shared with us how to express ideas and concepts through physical movements. He is humorous and fun. We also watched his works which were performed or created abroad and I am particularly impressed by "Guarding the Yellow River", which is a masterpiece in terms of creativity, skill, performance, and style! His sharing is quite enjoyable!
▲ Doudou Huang used simple language to share his thoughts on choreography. His representative works demonstrate that Chinese traditional dancing can be manly too. He is still active on stage, promoting Chinese choreography and culture to the world. To a dancer, talent is the key but it is not everything. He encouraged us to hold on to things we love to do. Simple language, energetic appearance and clear logic, plus a few self-depreciating jokes, make this speech nothing but a pure joy.