When Hong Kong dancer Solong Zhang talks about the importance of passion in dance and in life, he draws upon the quote from late American dancer and choreographer Martha Graham, “Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are great because of their passion,” he says.
Zhang is one of these great dancers. To watch Zhang dance is a transfixing collision of potent passion and restrained skill. Earning a prestigious four year scholarship from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, the artist’s magnetic intensity is echoed through his poetic, contemporary dance videos. “Passion is everything,” he echoes.
Zhang remembers the first time he felt passion, at 10 years old during a dance performance. “Then, when I was 25 years old, I met a group of musicians and artists that inspired me to focus on what I love, and to start working hard on turning that passion into my lifetime career.”
What does ‘Live Better’ mean to Zhang? “It means understanding yourself through doing what you love to do during your life.” Like any path in life, this romantic and inspiring approach has its drawbacks. “Sometimes I feel lost and confused that the thing I love the most has become my occupation.” Even when discussing how he overcomes such challenges, Zhang finds his release through music and movement. “I will put my earphones on and go for a long run to release my stress.”
On advice for enhancing life with passion? “Never stop dreaming and believing in yourself. Live the change you want to see. Appreciate life. Always ask yourself: Are you enjoying the moment in front of you? That’s the most important thing.”
