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Artist Profile: Ms. Na Chen
Ms. Na Chen. (Courtesy of Shen Yun Performing Arts)
Classical Chinese dance requires hard work and self-discipline, but Ms. Na Chen thinks it is worth it.
“If the audience enjoys the performance, then it is worth it no matter how tiring it is,” she said. “When you are on stage, your responsibility is to give the best to the audience.”
Ms. Chen remembers her first time portraying a Bodhisattva, where she had to be confident and show the greatness and magnificence of a god. At first, she had a lot of concerns, was nervous and could not portray the character well. But keeping in mind that she needs to give the audience her best, she overcame the fear.
“When you are acting [as a Bodhisattva], you need to be immersed into the character—you need to feel that you are the largest, merciful, compassionate, and you are there to save people,” she said. “I would know that I was dancing, performing, and I would want to give the audience my best, so I naturally opened up myself.”
Through her dance, Ms. Chen wants to show people how ancient Chinese lived with kindness, and to do this, “you need to show people that you are dancing with your heart and soul,” she said.
[topic]One should be focused on the dancing and not think about anything else so as to be immersed in the character, she added.
“In ancient China, people did everything with a calm mind, so when dancing, you have to express that peace of mind. This requires a lot of training and understanding of the ancient Chinese culture and virtues,” she said. What Ms. Chen leaves with the audience with her performance is not just something beautiful but a powerful and calming energy that lasts.
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