Exclusive Interview with Young Dancer Zhang Han: “On Stage, I Am Xi Meng”
LAPost/San Diego, California (January 5, 2025) – The poetic dance drama Only Blue and Green by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, an iconic work in contemporary dance theater, kicked off its U.S. tour on New Year’s Day in San Diego. Both performances were sold out, and the production, which reimagines the splendor of A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains through dance, received glowing reviews from audiences and mainstream media alike. Many local spectators marveled, “It’s been years since we’ve seen such a stunning dance drama rich in Chinese elements!”
Zhang Han during an exchange activity with a local dance education institution (Photo courtesy of the Only Blue and Green U.S. Tour by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group).
During the tour, the creative team overcame challenges such as time differences, stage setup, and venue adaptations while actively engaging in cultural exchanges with local dance education institutions. Among the cast, Zhang Han, a talented young dancer who portrays Xi Meng, won widespread acclaim for his captivating performance and approachable demeanor during interactions with the audience.
In 2020, the dance-poetry drama Only Blue and Green was officially launched, inspired by the Northern Song Dynasty masterpiece A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains. After a competitive selection process, Zhang Han was chosen to play the role of Xi Meng, the young prodigy painter of the Northern Song Dynasty. The production gained nationwide attention in 2022 with its debut on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, and its subsequent tour across China saw tickets sell out rapidly. In 2024, the film adaptation of Only Blue and Green premiered during China’s National Day holiday, earning a stellar 8.0 rating on Douban, making it one of the highest-rated films of the season. This exposure catapulted Zhang Han to greater fame and admiration.
Zhang Han being interviewed by the Los Angeles Post in the theater’s backstage lounge on New Year’s afternoon (Photo by Nan Zhang/LAPost).
In an exclusive interview with Los Angeles Post, Zhang Han shared, “Eight years ago, I visited Los Angeles and Seattle as part of a school performance team. This time, to come as the lead in Only Blue and Green fills me with excitement, pride, and honor. Over the past eight years, we’ve evolved from performing short segments to presenting a complete dance drama. What we’re bringing is not just a work of art but the profound charm of Chinese traditional culture.”
Born in 1997, Zhang Han is known as an “all-crowned dancer.” He began studying dance at the age of eight, gained admission to the Beijing Dance Academy’s affiliated school with excellent grades, and later graduated with a major in Chinese ethnic and folk dance. Throughout his career, Zhang has earned the nickname “undefeated dancer” for his record of never placing second in professional competitions.
For any young dancer, performing in such a landmark production is a career-defining achievement. Zhang humbly reflected, “Participating in the film adaptation was a privilege. I cherished the opportunity to portray the best version of myself and the character through the camera. Though the filming schedule was intense—often running from morning to midnight—the effort was worth it. For this role, I was willing to work harder and dedicate more time.”
When asked about the attention the production has received, Zhang shared, “I refer to all ‘fans’ respectfully as ‘audience members.’ These individuals who come to the theater genuinely want to see us perform on stage. They are rational, professional, and provide us with the motivation to grow.”
As for adapting to the time difference for performances in the U.S., Zhang explained, “Back in China, our performances often ran late into the night. We would start work in the afternoon and reach peak energy levels in the evening. By the time we removed makeup and finished for the day, it was already the early hours of the next morning. So, adjusting to the U.S. time zone was almost seamless for me.”
Zhang Han’s vibrant personality and quick wit shine offstage, as he speaks animatedly, often gesturing expressively. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, playing guitar, and billiards. Reflecting on his role as Xi Meng, his eyes light up: “To better portray Xi Meng, I dedicated significant time to learning and preparation. I studied the green-and-blue landscape painting style and read every available book about Xi Meng and A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains. This role has deepened my appreciation for Chinese traditional art and strengthened my love for nature and commitment to artistic pursuits.”
He continued, “Touring across different regions feels like seeing the world through Xi Meng’s eyes. My bond with this character is profound and hard to describe in words. It has also made me more sensitive, passionate about nature, and confident. Every time I step onto the stage, I truly feel like I am Xi Meng.”
Zhang Han carefully signing autographs for the audience after the performance (Photo by Richard Ren).
Zhang shared a touching anecdote from the San Diego performance: “After the show, during the autograph session, a foreign audience member waited in line for a long time. When it was finally his turn, he didn’t ask for an autograph or photo but instead shook hands with each member of the creative team. That moment moved me deeply. Art transcends borders; it can touch people of different languages and backgrounds.”
A Glimpse into the Future
Looking ahead, Zhang expressed his aspirations: “I hope to explore more on stage, perhaps venturing into musicals, theater, or even films. However, my love and dedication to dance will never change. Life is like a puzzle—every piece requires care and effort to complete. One day, when we look back, we’ll see a meaningful and complete picture.”
Through his performance, Zhang Han breathes new life into Xi Meng, a figure from over 900 years ago. Both Xi Meng and Zhang have devoted themselves to their art—one to painting and the other to dance. This shared passion has earned Zhang the affectionate nickname “Zhang Xi Meng” among Chinese audiences. As he warmly bid farewell at the end of the interview, Zhang smiled and said, “See you in the world of art!”
(By Richard Ren / LAPost)
