In the realm of classical Chinese dance, where the curtain rises to reveal celestial palaces and ancient battlefields, the performer is often a vessel for history. Yet, beneath the vibrant costumes and the gravity-defying techniques lies the dancer’s own internal landscape. For Roy Chen, a principal dancer with Shen Yun since 2013, this landscape is defined by a fascinating duality: an introverted, meticulous nature off-stage, and a lively, comedic brilliance under the lights.
The life of a touring artist is often romanticized, painted in hues of applause and flowers. However, the reality is a rigorous mosaic of transit and adaptation. Chen describes himself as “introverted, meticulous, and thoughtful,” traits that serve him well in the unglamorous interstitials of tour life. While the stage offers the freedom of flight, the journey between cities is tethered to the highway.
“I’m not really a fan of long bus rides,” Chen admits, noting the difficulty of sleeping while covering vast distances to reach the next venue. It is here that his imagination takes flight; if granted a superpower, he would choose the ability to fly-not just to escape the confinement of the bus, but to witness the world’s scenery from a higher vantage point.
This dedication to the art form manifests in the most unexpected spaces. When traditional rehearsal studios are unavailable, the pursuit of perfection does not cease. Chen recalls practicing in theater washrooms, utilizing the mirrors to scrutinize his form and poses. His pre-show ritual is equally grounded: a precise thirty minutes of stretching followed by technical movements that double as a warm-up, ensuring the body is as prepared as the mind.
The Emperor and the Monkey King
On stage, Chen sheds his introversion to inhabit the souls of history. He finds profound joy in experiencing the “joys and sorrows of different characters,” a process that allows him to transcend his own quiet demeanor. Remarkably, stage fright is foreign to him. Even as a child, he possessed an innate desire to perform, delivering spirited presentations with zero preparation-a testament to a natural charisma that waits for the spotlight to ignite.
Among the myriad roles he has undertaken, his portrayal of the Monkey King remains a standout, bridging the gap between myth and reality. A memorable encounter at the Kennedy Center highlights this connection: a young boy, captivated by the performance, approached Chen not as a dancer, but as the Golden Monkey himself.
“He didn’t know my name, so he called me Monkey King,” Chen recounts. At the time, the dancer was holding a cup of chocolate milk, prompting the child to ask, “Do monkeys also drink chocolate milk?” It is a moment of levity that underscores the power of performance-the ability to make the mythical tangible and the divine accessible.
Yet, Chen’s inspiration draws from figures of immense gravity as well. He cites Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty as his favorite historical figure. Taizong represents the ideal balance of wen (civil) and wu (martial) arts-a powerful monarch capable of synthesizing diverse ideas with open-minded wisdom. This admiration reflects Chen’s own artistic aspirations: to balance strength with intellect, and power with grace.
Cultivation of Character
The journey from a young dancer to a principal artist is not merely physical. Chen observes a distinct evolution in his own character since joining Shen Yun. “I started out immature, both in dance and in life,” he reflects. Over the years, the environment has enriched him, teaching him that the elevation of art is inextricably linked to the cultivation of personal character.
To maintain freshness across more than a hundred performances per season, Chen engages in a mental reset before every curtain call. He places himself fully into the role, demanding his best for every movement. This is not just technical precision; it is an act of service to the audience. “When I hear their heartfelt praise… I am reminded of my purpose: to revive traditional Chinese culture and bring beauty to the world.”
For Chen, success is defined not by accolades, but by the purity of intent. It is found in a clear conscience and the knowledge that one has tried their absolute best. His favored city, Taipei, resonates with him for its convenient transportation and vibrant food culture, yet his ultimate wish transcends geography. It is a hope that carries the weight of history and heritage: for Shen Yun to one day perform on the stages of mainland China, returning the beauty of five millennia to its ancestral home.
