Jerry Zhang won third place in New Tang Dynasty Television’s 2010 International Classical Chinese Dance Competition after receiving Honorable Mention in the same competition in 2009. He studied dance at the New York-based Fei Tian Academy of the Arts and earned his bachelor’s degree from Fei Tian College, where he also earned his Master of Fine Arts in Classical Chinese Dance.
Chinese given name: Jiarui (張家瑞).
Meaning of Chinese given name: Jia means family, and rui means auspicious, so together it means an auspicious sign for the family, good fortune for the family.
Lived in: Henan and Guangdong, China; California and New York, U.S.A.
Most prominent strength: Acting and tumbling techniques.
Favorite character to portray on stage: I like all the characters that are “unusual,” especially those that make people laugh, like Crazy Monk and Dragon King. I have a lot of fun acting them.
Favorite dance story: The Steadfast Heart (2016), a dance about Falun Dafa cultivators and what they have been through in China. I have seen so many dances throughout the years, but this is the only dance that made me cry.
First time heard of Shen Yun: In 2007, when I was living in California. I watched the New Tang Dynasty Television satellite broadcast of Shen Yun’s first-ever Chinese New Year Spectacular.
Love most about dancing: Dancing for Shen Yun brings hope and pure positive energy to the audience, and this is what makes dancing meaningful to me.
Favorite story dance performed? Sweeping Out the Tyrant (2014). This was the story of the “crazy” monk during the Song Dynasty who got rid of a despicable, corrupt official. I really like this story, and others like it, about ancient Chinese cultivators. These spiritual seekers live in ordinary society but their mindset is totally different. Sometimes they seem to act crazy, but that’s only because most people aren’t wise enough to understand what they are doing.
Most interesting interaction with an audience member: In Taiwan, after an evening show, I was standing outside the theater waiting for my teammates so we could walk back to the hotel together. A lady suddenly ran up to me and grabbed my arm. I was surprised and thought she was trying to rob me! It turned out she was in the audience and recognized me from the program book.
Open on your playlist right now: Meditation music.
Favorite warm-up music: Most days, my warm-up music for the show is provided courtesy of our sound engineer testing the speakers.
Favorite tour city: Geneva, Switzerland.
What goes through your mind when the curtain goes up? Here we go!
Must-have item for long flights: Passport…
Favorite packing tip: Leave space for souvenirs.
Favorite hot drink: Chinese kung fu tea.
Favorite Chinese historical figure: Zhang Sanfeng, considered the father of Tai Chi.
Wanted to be as a kid: Professional golf player.
What inspires you? Shen Yun’s mission, to revive 5,000 years of Chinese culture.
As a veteran dancer, how do you pass your experience to other dancers? I believe in leading by example.
How is the you today different from the you when you first joined Shen Yun? Now I have something to work for, something for which I will give the best that I have.