Local artist profile: Liming Liao

THIS week we chat with t Liming Liao, dancer and choreographer for the Bendigo Chinese Association’s triumphant Plum Blossom Dance Team.

How did you become a dancer initially?

I was always interested in dancing since I was little. My mum used to let the toddler me dance in front of family members and relatives during family gatherings. I still remember my first official dance performance in kindergarten, dancing and carrying a little basket full of flowers on the stage, with a big grin on my face. Even though I did not pursue to be a professional dancer, I have never given up dancing. If I have a small room with some space or if I can find a studio, I would dance! Dancing lifts up my spirits more than anything when I am down.

What motivated you to become a Plum Blossom Dance Team member?

I was a new migrant in Bendigo, trying to find a community where I can belong and do some activities at the same time. When I was searching on the internet and found out about the Plum Blossom dance group, I was super excited. It’s amazing that I can reconnect with these traditional and cultural forms again in Bendigo. I signed up right away and enjoyed the training there ever since.

What is your role in the team?

I am currently volunteering and choreographing for the Plum Blossom dancers. When I first started, I was very hesitant, because I have always been dancing but never choreographed and taught people. In a small community dance group, it also means I have to train the dancers and teach them lots of different techniques.

Even though I struggled at the beginning, I came to appreciate teaching dance. In order to teach people new routines, you really have to be clear about your instructions and choreograph ideas. It helped me improve my dance techniques, as well as my communication skills.

Are there any particular themes that the Plum Blossom Dance Team likes to feature in its work?

Plum Blossom Dance Team mainly performs traditional Chinese dances, including folk dances and classical dance. Folk dances originated from different ethnicities in China. Each ethnic group’s folk dances reflect their religious, cultural and/or historical background through their unique choreography and colourful costumes.

Classical dance, on the other hand, is a more recent form of artistic expression that incorporates elements from folk dance, opera, and even martial arts and Tai chi. Many Chinese traditional dances involve using props, ranging from fans, umbrellas, ribbons, and swords.

For colours, you will notice the colour pink is very popular in Chinese dance, but there are also many other radiant colours in Chinese dances, such as chilly red and bamboo green.

What are some highlights you have from being in the team so far?

I have learned new dances, new skills and techniques. Heather, our trainer, has trained us ballet techniques at the same time. It developed and broadened my understanding about dance even more. Even though Chinese traditional dances, with its emphasis on harmony and circular movement, are rather different from ballet, they share some commonalities in some basic movements.

What would you say to encourage young people in the region who are thinking about getting involved?

Dance, like any other form of sports activity, can be hardworking, but if you give it some time and effort, you will enjoy every moment of it!