A dancer can’t just be flexible in body, but must be flexible in mind too—especially on tour, where we change hotels almost as frequently as we change costumes during a show. Each day brings a different audience, each week a different city, each month a different country. Crossing borders by land, air, and sea makes me feel like a regular adventurer. And like most adventurers, I have a quest: to share the beauty of classical Chinese dance with people around the world.

This year our tour itinerary started up north in the midst of a freezing winter. Anticipating the cold, I packed the necessary accessories: gloves, scarf, earmuffs, and thermos. When the weather turned too chilly, I turned up the heat by buying a jar of hot sauce to pair with my meals. As a frequent globetrotter, I’ve learned from experience that it’s best to travel lightly and to pack only what you need. Thus, my gloves have homes in my jacket pockets, my scarf doubles as a travel pillow, my earmuffs work in conjunction with my eye mask and my thermos thrives on aesthetic appeal. (The hot sauce jar, being made of glass, will be a worthy contribution to Canada’s recycling system.)

In a couple of days we’ll be dancing in Montreal, bringing a spark of colorful cheer in the midst of a challenging season. While I’d love to stay put and cozy, I’ve learned that in life, as on stage, everything has its place. Keeping things in order ensures a smooth running show, and each performance is another step closer to my quest. Armed with clothing and condiments, I’m ready to wrap up, dig in, and conquer this winter season.

January 3, 2011