What was your role in the Olympic performance? I was the goddess Guanyin and the audience was able to see only me. The other performers stood directly behind me and stretched out their arms. It created an image of a woman with many arms. How did you become a dancer? I was selected for the Hubei disabled people's art troupe at the age of 14, when I was studying in Wuhan. It was a very late age to become a dancer. However, I fell in love with it when I saw a famous dancer on TV. I was deeply touched by her movements and realised that being unable to speak, I could talk to people through this physical language. Now, dancing is an integral part of my life. So you're a full-time dancer? Yes, I'm one of the professionals at the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe. Since joining the troupe, I've performed in more than 30 countries. In 2003, our 12-girl group visited Hong Kong during the Sars outbreak to send our best wishes to the people there. What difficulties did you face while learning to dance? It's been a very hard process. Although I can't hear music, I can understand the content through hand signs by my trainer. During rehearsals, we turn the music up as high as it can go, and gather around the speaker or get close to the ground to pick up the rhythm. Ordinary people think the hardest part for us is picking up the rhythm, but that's not the case. The most difficult thing for deaf-mute performers is things like getting facial expressions right so they suit the mood of the music. Are there many daily inconveniences in your life? Except not being able to hear and speak, all other aspects of my life are just like other people's. I live in a world with no sound and that makes me focus on doing things I really like, despite how messy the outside environment is. Many people say that deaf people find it hard crossing the street but the fact is we seem to take a lot more in through our eyes. Do you feel sorry for yourself given your disabilities? No. I lost my hearing when I was two. But I was lucky to have grown up in an atmosphere of care and love. What do you do in your spare time? I like reading books, surfing the internet and drawing. The internet is the best method of communication for deaf people and a lot of us often log on to chat. I'm also fond of drawing as I have a degree in fine arts. What are your plans for the future? I want to keep dancing. But when I have to stop, I'll be able to help children who are in the same situation as me to embrace dance.
