Retired artist turns teacher to inspire next generation of talent

Wei Yujie is not an ordinary teacher at the Taiyuan School for the Deaf in Shanxi province.

At 33, she was once the lead dancer of the globally acclaimed dance, Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva, gracing stages in more than 40 countries, giving more than 1,000 performances, and showcasing the beauty and confidence of Chinese disabled people to the world.

But now the grand stages have been replaced with the familiar, echoing corridors of her alma mater. Gone are the elaborate costumes and dazzling lights, traded for the simple, encouraging smile she wears for her students. Wei has transformed from a star into a mentor.

She played a grandma in the dance Steaming Happiness.

Her journey, like the dance itself, is a testament to perseverance. Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at a young age, she discovered the magic of dance within the walls of the Taiyuan School for the Deaf. The 2005 Spring Festival Gala performance of Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva ignited a spark within her, a yearning to express herself through movement, a desire to touch hearts as she had been touched.

In 2005, representing Shanxi province at a national arts festival for people with disabilities, she was chosen to be the lead dancer of the second generation Thousand-Hand Bodhisattva for the China Disabled People's Performing Arts Troupe.

For 11 years, she danced with grace and power, captivating audiences at prestigious events such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, the 2010 Shanghai Expo, and the 2014 Beijing APEC Summit.

In 2016, Wei retired from the troupe and returned to Taiyuan to teach at the school that had nurtured her dreams. "I have received so much encouragement and love," she said. "I want to dedicate what I have learned to these children."

Wei understood that teaching deaf children wasn't just about technique. It was about fostering self-belief, about showing them the joy and beauty that dance could unlock.

She innovated her teaching methods, tailoring her approach to each student's individual needs and emphasizing teamwork.

Her dedication extended beyond technical skill. She infused her lessons with cultural significance.

In Steaming Happiness, she depicted a grandmother making oat flour kaolaolao, a local Shanxi noodle dish. "Through this dance, I want everyone to feel the unique charm of Shanxi noodle culture," she said. "I also want to showcase the beautiful changes in the countryside, letting everyone see how life is thriving, full of hope and vitality, just like the freshly steamed kaolaolao, constantly improving."

She added: "Teachers are not just educators; they are guides who lead students to realize their dreams. I hope that through my efforts, I can create a brighter future for the deaf children at the school."

Beyond the classroom, Wei actively champions the deaf community. As a member of the Taiyuan Youth Federation and the president of the Xinghualing District Deaf Association, she advocates for their rights, promotes employment opportunities, and cofounded a local sign language society to spread awareness and communication.

For Wei, dance is a powerful language, a bridge between the silent world and the world of expression. It conveys the passion, the love of life, and the unwavering dedication to dreams that burn brightly within her students.

"In my eyes, these children are angels," she said.

"I want them to shine on stage, to show the world their incredible light."