In the news of September 13, 2025, the 3rd time participant in the NTD competition, Zhou Zhengye, who won the gold award in the young women’s category in 2021, expressed deeper insights into the phrase “Art knows no bounds”. She mentioned that each competition provides a valuable learning experience, not only in terms of her own preparation but also witnessing different performances by other contestants. The interactions and mutual learning among participants contribute significantly to personal growth.
Despite her numerous competition experiences, Zhou Zhengye admitted to feeling nervous while performing on stage. However, she views each competition as a form of mental training. Reflecting on her performances, she constantly seeks ways to improve her movements and precision.
Discussing the connection between Chinese classical dance and traditional culture, Zhou Zhengye emphasized the importance of cultivating both movement skills and moral character. She highlighted the significance of practicing with a calm and positive mindset to truly embody the beauty and virtues inherent in traditional culture.
In the preliminary competition on the 11th, Zhou Zhengye performed a piece titled “Loyalty and Filial Piety,” depicting the story of Mulan. She noted the demanding nature of the sword dance in this piece, admitting initial nervousness due to lack of prior training in sword techniques. However, she found that learning the sword not only improved her skills but also enhanced her physical expression and presence.
The historical and profound nature of the performance presented a significant challenge for Zhou Zhengye, who grew up in Canada. She expressed how only Chinese classical dance could capture the depth of such a story within a brief timespan. According to her, Chinese classical dance has the power to convey inner emotions, engaging the audience on a deeper level beyond mere physical movements.
Sharing insights from her teacher about the underlying meaning of the story, Zhou Zhengye explained the transition of Mulan from a gentle maiden to a determined warrior. She found a particular moment in the performance deeply moving, where Mulan symbolically leaves her femininity behind before declaring her resolve to return to her father.
In her pursuit of classical arts, Zhou Zhengye emphasized her ongoing study of technical aspects like “body leading hands” and “hip leading legs.” She described this as a manifestation of the endless possibilities in art, as there is no definitive answer on the best application of these techniques. Dancers continuously explore these elements to enhance their craft.
Regarding the fundamentals of Chinese classical dance, Zhou Zhengye highlighted the essential elements of “lifting, sinking, advancing, leaning, containing, extending, and shifting.” She explained how proper execution of these principles, such as maintaining alignment while sword dancing, not only ensures safety but also enhances the aesthetic appeal and gracefulness of the performance.
Through her journey in learning Chinese classical dance, Zhou Zhengye deepened her understanding of the traditional values of purity, goodness, and beauty. She acknowledged that mastering certain movements or techniques may be challenging and require patience. However, the discipline of Chinese classical dance shapes individuals to cultivate patience and subtlety, fostering not only technical proficiency but also enhancing personal character and refinement.
Maintaining a calm and positive attitude during practice, according to Zhou Zhengye, enables individuals to authentically embody the beauty and goodness encapsulated in traditional culture. Her dedication to the art form reflects a commitment to not only perfecting her dance skills but also internalizing the ethical and cultural values embedded within Chinese classical dance.