Conference Presentations
"A Call for Advocacy and Empathy: A Study of Gay Men in Chinese Dance"
--Zihao Yuan, 2023
Since the founding of the Beijing Dance School in 1954, Chinese dance education has been divided into strictly gender-segregated classes, fully relying on a gender binary. This research paper explores the experiences of ten gay men, focusing on their sexual orientation and gender expressions as queer male dancers, all of whom are professionals in the Chinese dance community. It discusses two main themes: the challenges faced by gay men in a society that often restricts their true self-definition, gender expressions and artistry; and the influence of teachers in shaping students’ dance journey. This research highlights the impact of traditional gender norms in Chinese dance education, the importance of inclusive teaching methods, and the quest for freedom and acceptance within a society that has yet recognized or legalized the LGBTQ+ community. It also aims to promote a deeper understanding for dancers experiencing gender inequality in dance education.
2025
Association for Asian Studies (AAS): Annual Conference 2025, Columbus, Ohio
(Individual Paper)
2024
New York Conference on Asian Studies (NYCAS): Annual Conference 2024, The University at Buffalo (UB), Buffalo, NY
(Individual Paper)
2024
National Dance Education Organization (NDEO): Annual Conference 2024, NDEO National Conference, Seattle, WA
(Individual Paper)
2024
2025
Dance Studies Association (DSA): Annual Conference 2025, Washington DC
(Individual Paper)
2024
Association of Asian American Studies (AAAS): Annual Conference 2024, Seattle, WA
(Individual Paper)
2024
Interdisciplinary Graduate Research Symposium: Annual Symposium 2024, UW, Seattle, WA
(Individual Paper)
2024
Photo by: Molly Chen
Association for Asian Studies (AAS): Annual Conference 2024, AAS-in-Asia, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
(Individual Paper)
Popular Culture Association: Annual Conference, PCA national Conference, Chicago, IL
(Individual Paper)
Submission for Publication:
"A Call for Advocacy and Empathy: A Study of Gay Men in Chinese Dance" (2023). Under review by JoDE (Journal of Dance Education)