Interview with Chloe Leong

Company dancer Cheng Tsung-lung to create Full Moon – the Company’s first collaboration with a Taiwanese choreographer. In this blog, she discusses the creative process behind Full Moon, what motivates her to dance and what sets Australian dancers apart.

This is the Company’s first time working with Taiwanese choreographer, Cheng Tsung-lung. So far, we have focused on developing a rich relationship and understanding between dancers and choreographer. It has been predominantly task-based, drawing upon references from Tsung-lung’s Taiwanese heritage, including traditional stories and religious beliefs, giving us insight into what inspires and motivates him. Although there is individuality in each of our ways of moving, he has created a coherent style within the piece, which I think comes from his eye for detail, and the meaning and purpose behind each decision he makes.

The creative process is what motivates me to dance. In today’s economic and political climate, I also value the fact that dance transcends culture, race, religion, age, language barriers and other differences. It can challenge an audience. There is no right or wrong.

Personally, I believe that Australian dancers have an extremely good work ethic, possibly because dancers here have to fight harder and need to be proactive, as there are unfortunately fewer job opportunities in Australia, and if we are fortunate enough to audition or work overseas, there is more at stake. Therefore, I find that Australian dancers are just a bit more determined and willing to go beyond what is expected of them.

See Chloe in the world premiere of Orb from 29 April – 27 May in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.