This dance work "Mountain Ghost" is mainly inspired by an ancient Chinese poem called "The Mountain Spirit". It comes from Nine Songs, a set of poems that is attributed to the poet Qu Yuan (343–278 B.C.) The poetry, which may represent ancient shamanistic dramas, consists of lyrics that are meant to be performed. There are different interpretations of this poem. It is still difficult to discuss whether the protagonist is a god or a spirit, female or male, or something else. I believe that there is a strong connection between this poem non-binary identities and gender fluidity in our time.

As a choreographer, I am interested in taking something mythological from the past so that I can make it into something futuristic and relevant to our times. My attempt is to create a dance piece that not only expresses restless struggles and self-sorrow through the voice of the protagonist in the poem, but also one that liberates ourselves from gender norms and social repression. In other words, I want to pose these questions: What is under our skin? How do we feel a sense of belonging? How can we further explore whether identity is a fixed state or a constant search for balance?

"Mountain Ghost" is co-production with Trauma Bar und Kino and The Feuerle Collection in Berlin, Germany. At the heart of this project is the belief that art and dance can serve as catalysts for personal and collective transformation. The final outcome will be a carefully curated dance performance. Surrounded by timeless art pieces, we will blur the lines between the observer and the observed, the past and the present, and the individual and the collective. This performance will serve as the focal point of our collaboration, a profound expression that delves into the fluidity and ambiguity of gender identity through the lens of Chinese mythology and contemporary dance.

In this special occasion, on the stage of "Want to dance" Festival, I am honoured to share my work-in-progress since my first art residency at Trauma Bar und Kino in August 2023.