On September 11, 2025, the 11th NTD “International Classical Chinese Dance Competition” kicked off at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center in New York State. Huang Minghui, showcasing her youthful and lively dance style filled with agility, successfully advanced to the next round in the youth women’s category with a touching display of genuine emotions.
This marked Huang Minghui’s third participation in a dance competition, following her previous achievements of a bronze award in the junior women’s category and a silver award in the youth women’s category. She expressed that each competition serves as a process of self-improvement and offers valuable learning experiences through interactions with other contestants.
The NTD competition aims to promote traditional Chinese culture. When asked about the purpose of the competition, Huang Minghui stated, “It is a great undertaking.” Emphasizing that participants are driven by a desire to enhance their skills rather than seeking fame and fortune.
Huang Minghui mentioned, “As traditional culture is gradually being forgotten, I believe this mission is significant. Each contestant should approach the competition with this mindset to uphold the values of our heritage.”
Dancers from the Shen Yun Performing Arts have dedicated themselves to showcasing superb techniques of Chinese classical dance, emphasizing the intricate coordination of movements. Through rehearsal and competition, Huang Minghui gained a deeper understanding of this artistry.
Her performance in this competition depicted a young girl missing her train at the station due to turning back to retrieve a fan, expressing a mix of regret and helplessness. Later, noticing her shoes, she mischievously danced barefoot, revealing the playful side beneath her poised appearance.
Reflecting on her interpretation of Chinese classical dance techniques, Huang Minghui remarked, “Whether it’s the gentleness of a girl or the grandeur of movements, there is a sense of inner charm. It’s not just about the external gestures but a manifestation from within, communicated to the audience. When you genuinely aim to convey your inner world, the movements flow naturally.”
Additionally, she highlighted that dance performance is a reflection from within to outward expression, stating, “Without a solid foundation in your heart, you won’t naturally embody that persona on stage. Just like the saying goes, ‘To master an art, one must first cultivate their character,’ a person’s moral integrity is evident in their dance.”
Originally from Taiwan, Huang Minghui arrived in the United States seven years ago after enrolling at the New York Feitian Art Academy, where she has been dancing for over nine years. She attributed her deep connection to dance as an innate passion, having been inspired by Shen Yun performances since childhood, nurturing her dream of becoming a Chinese classical dance performer since the age of seven.
Regarding her recent competition experience, Huang Minghui expressed that maintaining a composed mindset throughout each event was her greatest achievement. Despite feeling nervous immediately after the competition, she found joy in the camaraderie among fellow contestants.
“On the surface, we may appear as competitors, but in reality, we encourage and support each other saying, ‘Well done, keep it up,’ ‘You can do it, keep going,’ and when others perform exceptionally, I genuinely share their happiness,” she expressed.