Early on, I learned to move between different cultural worlds by embracing one concerted language: dance. Movement became my primary, galvanizing mode of communication. Through dance I expressed how I perceive the world.

I’m currently in the Broadway cast of Bob Fosse’s DANCIN’, and getting to expe­rience the role of The Poet/Spirit in “Mr. Bojangles” has been such a blessing for me. It’s a moment where I get to hold space and acknowledge the legacy of Black dancers that paved the way for my peers and me.

Being at San Francisco Ballet for more than 10 years has shown me that classical ballet isn’t just a physical activity; it is a language, a way of expression, and it connects people. Being the first Asian male principal dancer in the company’s history has allowed me to bring my culture into my work.

Tap dance is everything in one. It’s something that is ancient and of the future. It’s timeless.

I fell in love with dance and decided to devote every part of myself to becoming a dancer. My life changed, and so did my why. I wanted to be able to freestyle like the incredible club dancers.

I believe I dance because I am thankful to believe in God. This art form I practice comes from a spiritual tradition, and I feel the history of that tradition whenever I am being honest with myself on the floor…or whenever I’m improvising to John Coltrane albums.

Every day, I chase the headspace that ballet gives me, and my genuine appreciation for the art has only grown. It brings me joy and fulfillment to devote my time, energy and focus to the never-ending goals and challenges that come with being a professional ballet dancer.

I am deeply, madly, in love with movement. It is one of the great loves of my life, it is my heart.
The very unromantic reason why I dance is because it is my vocation, my entire adult life’s work, it is what I do.