Zhenhong Wu: How did I get a foothold in the pantheon of Western ballet?
Born into a ballet family and having immigrated to Canada with her parents at a young age, Zhenhong Wu joined the National Ballet of Canada at the age of 19 and five years later became the its first Chinese principal dancer, a role she held for 15 years. Since then, she has taken over the helm of her parents' ballet academy in Vancouver, dedicated to nurturing up-and-coming talent. She has received numerous awards for her artistic achievements and contributions to society, including the Order of Canada, the highest honor for Canadian citizens, and an honorary doctorate from the University of British Columbia (UBC). She was recently interviewed in Vancouver by East Meets West about how she views her career and success.
Zhenhong Wu in her office in Vancouver. Credit: Ruidong Yu
Zhenhong Wu is a renowned Chinese Canadian ballet dancer. Born in Beijing, she immigrated to Canada with her parents at a young age. She was a principal dancer of the National Ballet of Canada from 1994 to 2009 and was the first Chinese principal dancer of the company. She is now working as a ballet educator and choreographer in Vancouver. She was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, the Distinguished Immigrant Award, and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of British Columbia. In 2019, the Governor General of Canada awarded her the Order of Canada, the highest honor for Canadian citizens, in recognition of her achievements in the field of dance and her contribution to culture and community service.
In Canadian classical ballet, it is challenging for a Chinese woman to become a national principal dancer. What do you think is the main reason for you to be in that position?
When I was at the National Ballet of Canada, once I had just finished a rehearsal, a colleague from the office came over and said that when she checked the archives for the company's anniversary, she learned that I was the first Chinese lead performer of the company. When I heard that, I hoped that in the future, not only would I be the first, but also many other Chinese principals would appear on the National Ballet of Canada and the world stage.
The ballet itself is a challenging career because you can't just rely on appearance. You need to have both the shape, the musicality, the softness of the body, the understanding, the ability to express yourself on stage, and the ability to communicate with the audience. It takes practice every day, every hour, and every moment to progress. Ballet is considered as a Western art. Although it is now becoming more international, there is still doubt about whether it is suitable for Asians in Canada, North America, or Europe. You must be very committed, constantly working on and practicing it tangibly. My body is not that soft in my condition, so I have to break through my barriers and keep practicing.
Some people may mistakenly believe that ballet only needs to be expressed physically. I feel that a ballet artist cannot be just a dancer, but very much needs to use their mind to figure out how to reflect their unique expression in the role. This requires observing many of the star performances in ballet history, absorbing them, and then expressing them through your own comprehension.
File photo of Zhenhong Wu's stage play. Credit: Goh Ballet Academy, Cylla von Tiedemann
What do you think is the proportion of artistic talent, family upbringing and personal effort in your success?
The best answer is to break it down into stages. In the beginning, you need to be exceptionally hardworking. It is impossible to reach a certain level without self-demanding hard work. So you have to be hardworking at the beginning. You will know once that you have worked hard, but success will require hard work forever.
The second is my family background. Because I was surrounded by people who understood what the dance business was all about and could show me the 'tricks' or help me plan it step by step. So I was very fortunate that my parents had the experience to teach me this.
After reaching a certain level and position in the industry, how can you go one step further? That is definitely a talent that no one else can take away. Everyone can work hard and find good teachers to help them, but talent is something no one can take away from you.
In November 2022, the University of British Columbia (UBC) conferred an honorary doctorate on Zhenhong Wu, who was the first Chinese principal dancer of the National Ballet of Canada, in recognition of her artistic achievements and contributions to society. Credit: Ruidong Yu
Of the many awards and honors you have received, which one or ones do you particularly value?
When I immigrated to Canada with my family as a child, I didn't know a single word of English. The only thing I was familiar with was ballet. Because my parents used to be leading performers in the Central Ballet, I was always surrounded by music and dance. That first award was very important and it was no small prize. When I was 15, my dad took me to Lausanne, Switzerland, for an international dance competition. It was supposed to be just for the sake of seeing the world and the preparation was rushed. But to both my father's and my surprise, I made it to the final and was awarded a scholarship. It was a very meaningful award for me because it gave me the confidence to step into the ballet world and turn it into a career with no more doubts.
Further on, every time I could put on a new dance play or star in a new role, it wasn't a prize or a trophy, but it was a prize in my heart because the dream of mine has came true.
I was awarded the Order of Canada in 2019. This is a national recognition. What is the actual contribution of an artist to the country and society? I haven't invented anything to change people's lives. But this recognition is real and shows that art has a place in people's lives and that it is vital. The fact that I can bring about a better society through my art makes me very happy.
You have told the media that as a Chinese, you may be discriminated against in your work and life. But be wary of using discrimination as an excuse for not working hard enough and not succeeding. Why do you say this?
I think there must be discrimination, and there must be people who use it as an excuse. The most important thing is to be realistic: does my success depend on "hiding" "avoiding," or "covering up" anything? For example, if I have a move that I just can't do, I've decided never to do it again. We change the movement. We don't do it again. But it's a kind of "hiding" because you can't achieve it, so you "move it away" and don't accept it. And I don't think that should be the case. In my opinion, there is discrimination in society, but is it discrimination that you encounter, or is it an excuse to excuse yourself for not being good enough? This has to be divided very clearly.
In October 2022, six outstanding Chinese Canadians, including Zhenhong Wu (pictured right), were presented with the Red Maple Legend Award in Toronto. The award aims to recognise outstanding Chinese representatives who have worked hard, given back to the community and created legends in their lives in various industries in Canada. Credit: Ruidong Yu.
After retiring from the National Ballet of Canada, you became the director of the Goh Ballet Academy, which your parents founded. How do you achieve a balance between art and business?
Arts and commerce are always on different sides. I also struggle a lot because we want the best artistic quality and we have to have the money to invest. We don't rely on government funding but on box office and commercial sponsorship. There is indeed a certain amount of pressure to rent the theatre, hire orchestras and star dancers, plus expenses such as publicity, and it feels like this is our 'real life,' whereas our 'beautiful fantasy life' is on stage.
My basic requirement is that the artistic standards are not lowered. One has to be talented enough to have the backbone, the strength and the financial ability to maintain what is required in terms of artistic quality. Otherwise, there would be no point or motivation for me to do it. I want to do what is best, what makes an impression and what meets my artistic standards.
Zhenhong Wu at the Wu Ballet Academy in Vancouver. Credit: Ruidong Yu.
You have been leading the Ballet Academy team in the classic Nutcracker since 2009, and it has now become an annual Christmas favorite in Vancouver. What do you see as the hallmark of Vancouver's Nutcracker?
Although Vancouver is an internationally renowned city, there has not been a local team for The Nutcracker in the past. After I retired from the National Ballet of Canada, I felt it was an excellent opportunity to use my art to contribute to the community. It was also a great opportunity and challenge for the ballet school. Every year we invite the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra to work with our performers in the largest theatre in Vancouver. Over 200 dancers participate in the rehearsals. We believe it is also essential to involve other talented dance groups from the community to collaborate with the stars of the ballet world.
I have danced many different styles of choreography for The Nutcracker myself and have seen very many versions of it. Our rehearsal of The Nutcracker for Vancouver is unique in that it is a collaboration and brings the Nutcracker of classical ballet of the highest vision to the stage. The cast has to rehearse for three months and the choreographer has to be creative. For example, we have a magician in our choreography that you won't see in other versions.
File photo of Zhenhong Wu on stage. Credit: Goh Ballet Academy, David Cooper.
Now you have funded a scholarship for young ballet learners. Why?
I know that when immigrant families like my parents came to Canada, it was inevitable that they had to go through a complicated process to get to where they were. But what they taught me was that one has to have love for others and help them. Because it was with the help of many people that they could succeed. My experience has been the same, and many people have nurtured and helped me, so I am very grateful. Now I am fortunate enough to be able to set up a scholarship. Many people may not have the financial means to take up dance, but they should have the opportunity to rely on their talent and hard work to make their dreams come true with the help of a scholarship.
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