From Tiffany Wright:

"Over the past several weeks, since learning about Laoshi's passing, I've taken moments (mostly laying in bed before going to sleep, when the rigors of the day have calmed) to think about her and how I remember her. Every memory I have of Laoshi always makes me smile with a warm heart that just makes me feel good inside. I cannot thank Laoshi enough for her love and dedication to dance. Her influence on me through the Phoenix Dance Chamber (PDC) made it possible for me to learn, embrace and love Chinese dance. This has forever changed my life since I was 18. If it was not for Laoshi coming to Hawaii to share her extraordinary knowledge and training of Chinese dance, I would not have been so fortunate to enjoy the beauty of Chinese ethnic minority dance and learn so much richness of my Chinese heritage and culture.
Being a student in Laoshi's class was hard work, as she worked us hard, repeating the movements until we got it right. But it felt good knowing that we were getting it right. Her expressiveness as a dancer, and most significantly as a teacher for us, opened my eyes to what a particular dance was supposed to feel like. I remember watching her dance the Goose Dance, and being in awe at how realistic she embodied the movements of a goose. Imagining myself dancing around a large bonfire on the plateaus of Tibet, or milking a cow outside of a yurt on the grasslands of Inner Mongolia was not the easiest to pull off, but it sure was a lot of fun.

I don't speak Chinese, but learned a few key words from Laoshi during class. "Doodzi" (tu zi) was what one of them that she would say to me (while tapping my tummy twice) to remind me to suck in my tummy, and tighten my abs to pull them back into my spine. That made for a much better posture for me, and I would quickly suck it in and try to stand taller. And I quickly learned how to count to 8 in Mandarin. Since counting to 8 was repeated over and over, in the same rhythmic tone, I think I would count to 8 in Mandarin in my dreams.

I was also very fortunate to learn a little about living in Hong Kong. In 1998, when the PDC went to China for another culture exchange tour, I had made a late decision to go on the trip, and needed to obtain my visa in Hong Kong, since we didn't have time to send it through Los Angeles or San Francisco. So I went up to Hong Kong a few days earler than the group and was graciously hosted by Liu Laoshi in her apartment. She was busy teaching and working at the HKAPA, so I got to visit her at the Academy and observe her at work a little bit.

Laoshi was funny. I remember her always smiling, and often laughing at something she said or commented on. Or something Leon would joke with her about. We would all enjoy a laugh with her -- whether it was in the dance studio or around a dinner table.

I am very sad to know that Liu Laoshi has left this life, but am happy to know that she has left her legacy with us. A rich and beautiful legacy of the art of Chinese dance that PDC and its dancers, currrent and former, have been perpetuating all these years. She was not only a beautiful dancer and teacher, but a beautiful person. I loved her warm friendliness, her cheerfulness and energy, her humor and laughter, her young at heart attitude, her compassion and honesty. Liu Laoshi will always hold a special place in my heart. When I close my eyes, I still see her smiling..."

From Rumiko Okaze

"Dear Liu Laoshi,

I will never forget the days we shared in Hawaii and the wonderful time we had together. When I first met you at the University of Hawaii in 1989, I was deeply impressed by your enthusiasm of teaching Chinese dance to many students. Your enthusiasm for Chinese dance never waivered throughout your classes or your life. At the beginning of the Phoenix Dance Chamber, there were only six dancers including me. That was before you began to teach us. Later, with only a few of us remaining, we were very lucky to have you as our teacher. You taught us several performance dances. The lessons you gave opened my eyes to Chinese dance. I especially enjoyed performing the Tibetan dances of which I still remember the steps.

I learned a lot of things from you, not only the dances, but also the way of living. Through your life, you devoted yourself to teaching many students about Chinese dance. I have never met a greater dance teacher than you. I am very proud to be one of your students.

Liu Laoshi, I will always remember your congenial smile that has encouraged me a lot. Thank you for your tenderness. Those days that I spent with you in Hawaii have become the treasure of my life.

Love from Okinawa,
Rumiko Okaze

P.S. - Kuni, my husband, says she was splendid even through the small lens. (Kuni was the photographer and videographer at those early performances.)"

From Ching Jen Lum

"Even though Liu Laoshi taught hundreds of dancers at the Beijing Dance Academy and in several international cities, she made each of her students feel special and
remembered individually. You knew she remembered you by a step combination you had trouble with or by an expression you always had that characterized you. She was generous with her time, her talent and her valuable knowledge. She was a wonderful storyteller, whether it was on stage, dancing and capturing the audience’s attention or sitting down, gesturing stories with her hands, sounds and expressive faces. Halfway through her stories, she would stop, get up and demonstrate a step, always willing to share and teach us, fulfilling each of our creative needs.

She will always remain an inspiration in Chinese minority folk dance memory, reminding her students to pass on her stories and her steps, sharing and fulfilling the creative needs and talents of others to come."

From Mali (Alice Ma)

"The shocking news of Liu Youlan Laoshi passing away has left me to ponder on the fragility of life, and wonder how someone as lively as her can leave us so suddenly. It was only like yesterday that I chatted with her and watched her dance with such energy. I wish I had cherished those moments. It has been many years ago since I was a dance student of Liu Laoshi. Her teachings changed my perspective and inspired me to dance. I would like to share a part of my memory and experience of Laoshi here.

Before I met Liu Laoshi, my concept of Chinese dance was just slow movements and steps with ribbons and fans. My prior so-called dance experience was with Lily Siou. I fit right in the group and had no doubt in my dance ability. When Liu Laoshi came, we formed the PDC. That’s when I realized how bad a dancer I was. The dance steps were overwhelming. I had no clue of the music and beats let alone the techniques and flavors. With Diane and Rumiko dancing to the beats and music easily, I was the one who always lagged behind usually one beat or half a beat behind. Obviously I was the one who made the most mistakes. Laoshi would go Mali this Mali that. By the way, my name Mali originated from Liu Laoshi. My real name is Maliyi in Mandarin. Laoshi said Mali sounded louder since she had to yell out my name a lot. She had her own wit when she taught too. I tended to arch my back too much and my tummy stuck out. She would walk like a pregnant lady to demonstrate how bad it looked and we all had a good laugh. Over time I was able to focus, follow beats instead of blindly follow, and learn the flavors of each dance. Liu Laoshi had opened a door for me to see what Chinese dance is about. I was amazed at the diversity of Chinese ethnic dances; my initial exposure to Chinese dance was limited to classical dance. I’ve learned that there is so much to a dance than a bunch of steps. Through Liu Laoshi, I’ve realized that a good dancer is not only someone who can dance, but one who is able to capture its flavor and connect with the audience. I was quite amazed at her flexibility, strength, energy and crispness that she demonstrated in her dances. She was able to convey emotion in her dances. Her solo had brought me to tears. She was definitely a great dancer and a great teacher.

I’ve learned from Diane that Liu Laoshi had spent her last few months of her life here teaching. She has given the last of herself to PDC. My regret was not been able to be there to be her student again. While we are grieving over the loss of Liu Laoshi, let us keep and cherish those memorable moments forever in our thoughts. Our dear teacher, may you rest in peace. You are always remembered."

From Peggy Leung

"I first met Liu Laoshi when I was 11 years old; she came to Hawaii to help with the dance concert and to teach us a new minority dance. At that time, I was a new member of PDC and felt very lost in class. I didn’t like Chinese dance because I couldn’t follow as fast as the other dancers. But Liu Laoshi spent extra time explaining the steps to me. She showed me the steps multiple times and corrected my movements. She encouraged me and shared the stories of the minorities to explain the dance. It was Liu Laoshi who inspired me to try harder and to never give up. I eventually developed a love for Chinese dance and it has changed my life in so many different ways.

A few years later, I decided to do my Senior Project on Chinese Folk Dance. I had the opportunity to interview Liu Laoshi in Hong Kong and enjoyed our discussion on her professional career. The interview gave me a deeper insight to the history of Chinese dance, as well as Liu Laoshi’s vast experience and knowledge. She even introduced me to her students at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts. Fortunately, I was able to watch their dress rehearsal the day before their performance. Liu Laoshi corrected her students’ movements by demonstrating both female and male characteristics. Her facial expressions and body movements really portrayed the true feeling of the dance. As I sat next to Liu Laoshi at the performance the following night, I saw her work come to life on stage. It was amazing to see the transformation from the rehearsal to the actual performance.

I will always remember Liu Laoshi’s proud smile, especially when we finally did the movements correct. She has been an inspiration for me and will forever inspire my view of life. That is to never give up and practice makes perfect. "

From William Lau

"Liu laoshi had gave her life to Chinese dance and made such an important impact both inside and outside China. I am so fortunated to have the honor to meet her and study under her. Not only had I learned about Chinese dance but also great humanity from Liu laoshi. "

From Lishan Chong: "Remembering Liu Laoshi"

On Aug 3, 2007, the Beijing Dance Academy and the world of Chinese folk dance lost a highly respected professor, PDC lost a great teacher and we ALL lost a dear friend, Liu You-lan, whom we called Laoshi.  Her passing was too sudden, too soon and too painful for all of us.  But being sad and sitting there crying is not how Laoshi would want us to remember her.  Today in celebrating her life, I would like to share with you the Laoshi I remember.  She was kind and down to earth, most dedicated to her work and the best and most highly regarded artist in the Chinese folk dance profession. 

I came to know her when she was invited by the UH to teach a Chinese dance class in conjunction with the bi-centennial celebration of Chinese coming to Hawaii.  Some of you know that the Chinese tradition calls for respect to experts, so you will understand that being a professor from the best dance academy in China who had trained many well-known professional dancers in the field she was a big shot.  But Laoshi was so personable, kind and down to earth.  She didn’t let the prestige and fame go to her head. She always welcomed her students with open arms, regardless of whether they were professionally trained or someone who just wanted to learn Chinese dance.  Because of her kindness and serving as a great role model, I decided to go back to dance after a break of more than 10 years. 

If you had worked with Laoshi, you would know that she had a reputation of commitment and dedication to her work.  No matter whether it was a daily practice or a rehearsal for serious performances, she would practice until the dance was done right.  It was my first-hand knowledge of her dedication that made me decide to join Diane as a founding member of the PDC after Laoshi’s trip to Hawaii in 1989.  I remember we had a rough start, no money, no costume, and not enough dancers.  But we didn’t let that stop us.  We worked very hard to recruit dancers, and made our own costumes.  Although Laoshi was not always with us, her guidance and spirit helped PDC go through some very tough times.  She played a very critical role as to where the PDC is today. Her dedication was an inspiration to all of us. 

From a very young age, I was exposed to many of the Chinese folk dances and performed a lot of them.  But Laoshi’s style was unquestionable the best and most unique of its kind in this field.  A lot of the folk dance choreography in China, at least when I was active in dancing, was very “urbanized”, like ballet but performed in folk costumes.  Laoshi’s style was authentic – full of the native flavor and presented in the most beautiful art-form.  To her, dancing was not just performing and entertaining, it was an art form to tell a story of everyday living, especially that of the minority people and their culture. Her style of keeping this originality reflected her many years of real-life experience with the everyday Chinese people. 

This is the Laoshi I knew and this is how I will remember her.  Although I’m too old to continue dancing, I will do my best to help perpetuating her spirit and her love for Chinese dance so that we can carry her torch forward.  Laoshi, may you rest in peace.  We will remember you forever.  Chinese…