my story

A Pair of Beautiful, Embroidered Shoes

It was a pair of beautiful embroidered shoes that brought me into a Chinese Opera School at the age of 10, back home in Taiwan. I was inspired and fascinated by the form of music, dance, acting, mime, comedy, tragedy, acrobatic, and martial arts elements. The fascination extended even more with the beautiful and exquisite embroidery, exaggerated patterns, and bright colored costumes; not to forget that specific type of facial make-up called “the mirror of the soul” that symbolizes the personalities, roles, and fates of the characters. I passionately learned how to sing, talk, act, and fight to become a good performer. However, I realized my Western appearance didn’t bring me much luck or opportunity on the stage, and therefore I sensed that the Chinese Opera wasn’t the right fit for me.

Beautiful Movements, Sparkling Costumes, and Cinderella Type Shoes

At the age of 15, through my mom’s connections, I had an opportunity to take part in the International Ballroom Dance event. Luckily, I got the chance to meet Mr. Rudolf Trautz, the professional Latin World Champion (1967) who was invited to Taiwan to teach Ballroom dance. I’ll never forget what Mr. Trautz’s said to me – “because of your Chinese Opera background and appearance, you will be an amazing Ballroom and Latin dancer,” and that…changed my life. I began to dream big.

I instantly fell in love with the beautiful Ballroom dance movements, fantastic sparkling costumes, and Cinderella type shoes. I developed a passion for storytelling through acting and body movements to express feelings and emotions in different dances. I was once again inspired and fascinated. Without any hesitation, I jumped in and made a big direction change from Chinese Opera to International Ballroom dance, which is completely different in the cultural background between East vs. West.

As I enjoyed being a dancer, I stepped into the competition field. Through my godfather and all Japan champion Kojima, I was trained by many world top dancers. My coaches include Pro World Standard Ballroom Champions (1986-1988) Stephen and Lindsey Hillier, Professional Latin World Champions (1982-1983) Espen and Kirsten Salberg, Professional Latin World Champions (1984-1996) Donnie Burns and Gaynor Fairweather, and more. I represented Taiwan for the World Latin American dance championship in Tokyo Budo-Kan, Japan in 1982, and Madison Square Garden, New York in 1984, along with many other international competitions held around the world in countries like Asia, America, and Europe over many years.

Dance Career - Services & Awards

After retiring from the competition field, I started my own dance school in San Jose, California, where I taught, coached, and performed for over a decade. I was also one of the founders of a non-profit organization called “Mei-Hua Singing and Dancing group,” which promoted proper social activities in the Bay Area, Silicon Valley.

• I was one of the Chinese Culture group activity team members who belonged to the Overseas Community Affairs Council (Taiwan) in Jinshan Bay Area Overseas Chinese Culture and Education Center. The performance team had visited and performed for overseas Chinese in European countries and Panama in Central America to cherish our overseas Chinese community (1995).

• I was an outstanding overseas youth of the year (1996) nominated and selected from the Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations.

• I was an outstanding woman of the year (1997) nominated and selected from the Chinese Women’s Association of America.

• I received a Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Senator, Barbara Boxer, in recognition of outstanding accomplishments.

• I received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for outstanding and invaluable service to the community from Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.

• I received the certificate of Honor of commitment to utilizing talents as “art in the service of the community” from the Mayor of San Francisco, Willie Brown, Jr.

• I also received many other awards from North American Affairs Coordination Committee Director Ouyang Huang of San Francisco Office, recognized as Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, Women’s Federation in San Francisco, Northern California Chinese College Alumni Association, etc., before I got married and moved to Los Angeles, Southern California in 1998.

Since then, I have been living in the city of San Marino with my husband Gene and two wonderful children (Caty, 22, and Brandon, 18). Being a full-time mom for 22 years, I have never regretted my life choices for a single day. I participate and volunteer in every activity that Caty and Brandon are involved in to watch them grow and enjoy the world of art and music to the fullest. I am a globetrotter and love to travel with my family. Together, we travel around the world during school breaks to broaden our visions and expand our knowledge in hopes of preparing ourselves for future explorations.