Spanish Flamenco Performing Artist | He Lianhua

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Spanish Flamenco Performing Artist | He Lianhua

The head of the "Spirit Dance Troupe" – He Lianhua, is one of Taiwan's top Spanish Flamenco performing artists. She excels in dance art creation and teaching, and her performances often blend ballet, modern dance, Flamenco, and locally created music from Taiwan.

The "Spirit Dance Troupe" led by He Lianhua is located in Tamsui, New Taipei City. Every year, she self-funds to travel to the mountainous tribes in Taoyuan District, Kaohsiung County, which were severely affected by the Morakot typhoon in 2009, to accompany the children of the tribe through art, teaching dance for free to help rebuild their hopes in life.

Fan page:Spirit Dance Fan Clubhttps://www.facebook.com/115565438496109/

Q & A

Q: How do you start your day?

A: If I just stayed normally in Taipei, I would definitely sleep until I wake up naturally. So my day starts at 11 in the morning, and then I prepare a refreshing brunch, because afterwards I have tight teaching classes or rehearsals, and I want to make sure I feel very comfortable going to the bathroom (laughs).

Q: Where do you usually hang out the most?

A: The Elfin Dance Troupe welcomes you to come and play in Tamsui~ If you're lucky, you might even see wild blue magpies.

Q: What is your entertainment after work?

A: Drinking red wine, watching documentaries, and staring blankly at Facebook (hahaha), writing on Facebook. If I had more money, I would find good restaurants or nice places to eat, not necessarily fancy or beautiful restaurants, but I think food can heal everything. Then I would gather at friends' houses, and if the kids are around, I would cook and share meals together, that's my entertainment.

What is your most frequently visited restaurant?

A: Guandu,Da Vinci RestaurantIn National Taipei University of the Arts, there is a small buffet for the main course, all-you-can-eat, the taste is good, the price is acceptable, and you can also enjoy the night view of Guandu Plain.

Q: What changes has Flamenco dance brought to you? Describe Flamenco dance in one sentence.

A: I started dancing when I was 3 years old, and when I was 20, I encountered Flamenco, which truly changed me, allowing me to be brave and bold in being myself. As someone who is cynical about the world, I can find release in Flamenco through the sound of my footsteps and the emotions of my body. It can accompany me for a lifetime. Flamenco changed me, and the most important thing is sincerity, which allows me to get closer to the depths of my soul.

This is very difficult~~ Flamenco is something that is hard to describe in just one sentence. It should be said like this: "Dancing is my breath, Flamenco is my expression."

Q: What is a book you recently read? What insights or thoughts did you have after finishing it?

A: "The House Where the Mermaid Sleeps" Author: Keigo Higashino. The ending of this book moved me deeply, I won't spoil it (hahaha). In the book, a little girl drowns in an accident and is declared brain dead after resuscitation. This mother, in order to keep her daughter alive, goes to great lengths to keep her daughter with her, relying on machines to maintain her life. Others cannot understand the meaning of living dependent on machines. The portrayal of the mother's struggle and her unwillingness to let go is very well done. So, how do we know if a brain-dead person is alive or dead?! This brings us back to the real-world debate on the legalization of euthanasia. The issues explored in the book are worth our reflection, and I highly recommend everyone to read it. Love should be timely~~~~~~~

Q: What do you think is the most interesting or attractive place in Taiwan?

A: Every year I go up the mountain to teach indigenous children how to dance, this year marks my eighth round trip. I want to establish a home for art and humanities in the tribe, (hoping to create a place filled with God's love, accompanied by art and dance therapy) where we can sow the seeds of art and love, slowly nurturing these seeds (referring to the indigenous children). I hope the gap between urban and rural areas can be narrowed, and that there will be no barriers between people. I believe everything can change through love.

What do you look forward to the most when staying at a hotel?

A: I usually feel more at home when I stay as a couch surfer or in a guesthouse (haha). I hope that the accommodation can provide a semi-open space where artists like us, who need to connect with nature, can create. I have stayed in 4-star and 5-star hotels before, and although they are beautiful, I feel they waste space. I prefer small places that are fully equipped and have a homey feel.

Q: What is your impression of the hotels under Taipei Hotel?

A: The Sheraton Hotel looks very simple and high-end from the outside. Because of the first impression, I was hesitant to go in, but once inside, I found it to be very approachable and a place where one can relax. The installation art inside is based on the concept of collaborating with charitable organizations, which makes me feel that this is a place full of love and warmth!