Q: Thea, you were amazing on stage! How did it feel to perform in front of such a big crowd?

Thea: My tummy butterflies were doing flips, but when I saw everyone smiling and clapping, I felt happy like a firecracker exploding!

 

Q: Tell us about your love for kung fu?

Thea: The connection of Kung Fu and I go way back–My mom has been practicing Kung Fu for many years. She trained right up until she was eight months pregnant. She resumed her training when I was just a month old. Since then, she often brought me to her class. I like to think I started learning Kung Fu in my mom’s belly and “grew up” at Kung Fu school.

When I was three, during the COVID lockdown, I joined my mom for online classes just for fun, even though I couldn’t do much at that time. My genuine interest in Kung Fu began blossoming from those early days I believe.

 

Thea: When I turned four years old, I started my formal training at the Dynamic Kung Fu Academy. That’s where I met Master Dong Liu. His patient and detailed instruction over the past two years has been invaluable. I learned many forms and some really cool moves. I even managed to do an aerial at the age of five years and eight months!

 

Thea: (Nodding with a fierce twinkle in her eyes) I have been a part of the Dynamic Kung Fu Academy Team since I was five. Over the past year, I had showcased my Kung Fu skills with the team as well as solo on various stages, including performing in front of the abbot of Shaolin Temple. Stepping onto the stage, the unfamiliar spotlight blinding, knees trembling, heart hammering a relentless rhythm against my ribs. Yet, as the gong resonated, a familiar calm washed over me. Years of training, muscles memorized routines, my body an extension of will. The roar of the crowd became a battle cry, fueling my movements, each striking a whisper of a thousand practiced hours. In that moment, fear dissolved, replaced by the exultant dance of power and grace. I gained valuable experience as a young performer in front of diverse audiences. I enjoy performing. My team is like my family, and we practice together to make each other stronger.

 

Thea: (Puffing out her chest) First, find something you love so much it makes your heart sing like a bird. Then, practice hard like a bee making honey, and never give up even when you feel like a wobbly noodle! But most importantly, remember to smile and have fun, because that’s the secret ingredient for making your dreams come true!

 

Thea: In the realm of music, I had shown a keen interest in the Guzheng (Chinese Zither), a traditional Chinese string instrument for two reasons:

 

Thea: My adventurous spirit is evident in my travel experiences. At the age of six, I had already explored eight different countries, broadening my cultural horizons and experiences. In addition, fluent in three languages – Chinese, English, and French – I also want to show my versatility and adaptability in cross-cultural communications.