On July 8, the International Chinese Classical Dance Competition closed in New York after three days of fierce competition, and Michelle Ren, a dancer from Feitian Academy of the Arts, won the first prize for the adult women's division as the audience cheered and applauded.
"She's reached a very high level in dancing, and she understands the inner meaning of Chinese classical dance, is adept at expressing it, and has a complete grasp on rhythm," said Ms. Chen Lili, a dance teacher from Taiwan. "Michelle Ren is a superb dancer. She's quite solid in her basics, and good at portraying the realm of the Chinese classical dance. I saw that the audience loved her."
Ms. Shen Yan, a teacher, said that she loved Michelle Ren the most out of the others. "In Lotus Dance, she was just so elegant and graceful, bringing to life the pureness and nobleness of a lotus. I could almost see how pure and clean she was."
Ms. Meng Fan, another prize winner at the competition, said that she simply adored Michelle Ren and wanted to be like her. She said that she was so lucky to have the opportunity to watch Ren dance, and it was a joy beyond words.
Ms. Kaixi Wu who watched the show said, "I like the Lotus Dance the most. Not only because the dancer was fabulous, but more importantly, the dance left me a lasting impression, enabling me to see the sacredness of a lotus that emerges from dirt pure and clean. Also, I saw from it the spirit that brings beauty to people against all odds. My family and I were totally moved by it."
After winning the prize, Ren said, "I'm delighted to have participated in this dance competition and thrilled to see so many contestants from various parts of the world. It hasn't been easy for us to be together, so we should share and learn from one another, and draw on each others' skills."
Ren was born in the northeastern province of Liaoning, China, and started training as an art gymnast at the age of six. In 1997, she won a championship for juvenile group at the Liaoning Taoli Cup Dance Competition, and five years later she took the third place at the National Competition for Popular Culture Award sponsored by China's Cultural Ministry.
When she was in China, Ren often took part in large performances as either the lead or the solo dancer. She has taught, as well as performed, since she came to the United States. The group dance performed by her students took first place at Showstopper, a dance competition held in California in 2004, and Ren won the championship for the teachers' group at the same gathering. Ren was grateful that New Tang Dynasty Television (NTDTV) organized the International Chinese Classical Dance Competition. She said, "This competition was like no other competitions—it was global in scope. NTDTV held it with the purpose of carrying on the pure, traditional Chinese culture in heart as well as in skill. Skill is not the only thing that's important. What's deep inside counts even more."
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