Who is Weichen Cui?
A choreographer, dancer and movement educator.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Honestly, I can’t imagine being too far from what I do now. So much of life is shaped by the body I inherit, the culture I grew up in, and the paths I find myself on. If I had not turned to dance years ago, I might have become an office worker in China.
Who inspires you and why?
At this stage, the people close to me inspire me most, especially my students and collaborators. My students remind me of how alive and fearless curiosity can be, and my collaborators inspire me through their depth, care and persistence.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Through art and embodied practice, I hope to create more connection between people, memory and lived experience. Through teaching, I hope to help people understand, trust and feel more at home in their own bodies.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Bali has been my favourite holiday destination for the past few years. I love the tropical weather. My skin can breathe there, and my body feels fully open.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Probably a walk along Southbank. You see buskers, coffee drinkers, boats on the river. It feels very Melbourne.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading Zhuangzi, a classical Chinese text I first encountered in school and university. At the time, it felt serious and distant, but reading it now, I find it deeply interesting. Some parts read like stories, while others feel more philosophical. What draws me in most now is the sense of romanticism in it, something deeply rooted in Chinese culture and Daoist thought.
What are you currently listening to?
I’ve been listening to musicians and artist collectives from China whose work often involves traditional instruments, handmade instruments, and even natural materials, with a strong improvisational spirit. On Spotify, it probably sits somewhere around world music. I’m also really interested in some podcasts made by friends.
Happiness is?
“Immersed in wildly growing tropical plants, I find myself marvelling at the meaninglessness of life. In the new year, may life be as abundant as these tropical plants. On focused days, body and mind are clear and quiet. On restful days, there is coffee and sugar.”
This was something I wrote in Bali during Chinese New Year, and it probably comes close to what happiness means to me.
What does the future hold for you?
There are a few performances on the horizon this year, some confirmed and some still unfolding. I feel in a good place in life at the moment, and I hope to keep sharing new work, bring it to more places if touring becomes possible, and, complete my PhD next year!
Weichen Cui is a Performer and Choreographer of 山高水长 (Shan Gao Shui Chang) – which will be presented at Cube 37 – Frankston Arts Centre,on Thursday 14 May, as part of the 2026 South Side Festival. For more information, visit: www.southsidefestival.com.au for details.
Image: Weichen Cui – photo by Razan Fakhouri