How did you get started pole dancing?

I watched the movie Independence Day. In this movie, Will Smith’s girlfriend is a pole dancer. I remember thinking that she was very sexy and strong – that was my first time seeing pole dancing. Later, when I was looking for a place to exercise, I saw there was a pole dancing school, so I went there and began pole dancing.

You live in China. What is the attitude towards pole dancing there?

I don’t think old people know pole dancing, but lots of people in Q bar love pole dancing and they think it’s very beautiful and good exercise. But most of them think it’s quite hard and don’t want to try it.

In general, pole dancing doesn’t have the same reputation in China that it does in the US or other Western countries (lucky for me). It’s usually only the foreigners who think that, if you’re a pole dancer, then you are also a stripper. I am not a stripper, and the places I perform at don’t ask me to strip. So I’m glad to share my art with an appreciative audience, on my own terms.

Is there a big pole dance community in China?

Not really, at least I don’t know any.

You perform regularly, too. What’s that been like?

I dance every Wednesday in Q Bar Shangri-La Hotel Qingdao. It’s lady’s night there, so girls get free drinks and I dance two songs.

Performing is very exciting for me. The amazing thing about performing is that, even if I had a rough day, pole dancing puts my mind at ease and I can go out there and enjoy myself. Some nights the audience is really into it and I build off that energy. Other nights, I’m really into it and barely notice the audience – perhaps I just want to try new things and challenge myself, or a song comes on that I can really get into. I really don’t plan out any routine, I approach it with a very positive attitude and know that my dancing ability and passion for dance will carry me through.

Favorite makeup tip:

Very strong eye shadow, but I have someone do makeup and hair for me every Wednesday. I’m not good at makeup. They told me strong makeup is good on me.

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

Barefoot. In the beginning, I wore boots because it was easy to climb the pole. Right now, I dance barefoot.

Favorite grip enhancer:

I don’t have any grip enhancer, I just wash my hands very clean before dancing.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

I can do something maybe I thought I couldn’t.

Pole dance pet peeves:

One of my pole dancing pet peeves is that people think all dancers are strippers which is so not true. It’s an art.

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

Massage.

Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?

Of course, cute boys.

Who is your hero or role model?

My dad.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

I just think about good things that people told me before, when I’m nervous.

Favorite pizza toppings:

Pineapple.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Ice cream.

Anything else you’d like to share:

I dance with my pole and talk with my diary when I’m lonely. Pole dancing makes me feel that I’m a dancer and writing a diary makes me feel I’m a writer….

Life is colorful when you know and you see that you can do so many things ….