THH2017 Feature: Tai Lihua’s Journey

In 1976, a lively, vocal little girl was born in Yichang city, Hubei province, who would go on to inspire people around the world. At the age of two, Tai Lihua became ill, and due to an overdose of medicine, soon lost her ability to hear. She did not let this dampen her spirits, however; she had dreams and aspirations that she had no intention of abandoning:  she wished to perform on stage. Ms. Tai dedicated her time and efforts to practicing ceaselessly, feeling the music through vibrations, and striving to perfect her art, despite her hearing impairment.

At the age of 15, she became a member of the China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe  (CDPPAT). It is with the guidance of this group of talented and passionate individuals that she was able to truly shine, capturing the hearts of audiences with her grace and dedicated resolve – especially through her presentation of the piece, “The Soul of a Peacock.” Her skills soared through hard work and collaboration with her team, eventually becoming the choreographer and main performer in the dance musical “Butterfly Lovers,” which left the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in awe.