Taipei, April 12 (CNA) Dancing without hearing the instruction and compliments of a great teacher and friend takes a while to get used to, Martha Graham Dance Troupe principle dancer Sheu Fang-yi said Wednesday in reminiscing about Lo Man-fei, who passed away in late March.
Well-known choreographer and dancer Lo Man-fei, who died of lung cancer March 24, was Sheu's teacher and instructor since Sheu's freshman year in college. Sheu said the 15-year relationship "felt more like being friends" rather than a teacher/student relationship.
"I miss her voice, instruction, compliments and that simple gaze. She is always like a proud mother who would tell everyone that her daughter is the best dancer. I get confidence from her confidence in me," Sheu said while trying to fight back tears.
Lo's confidence in Sheu was not blind faith. Sheu, who left Taiwan in 1995 to pursue her dancing career in the U.S., has been rated by U.S. "Dance Magazine" as among the 25 most talented dancers of 2005.
Sheu also received the Order of the Brilliant Star from President Chen Shui-bian in May 2005 and was one of the "Top Ten Rising Stars" selected by CNA in 2006.
"She is always a person who looks at the bright side of life. It seems to me there's nothing she can't handle. As late as last December, when her condition was worsening, she still worked with me and the troupe every day -- and looked energetic," Sheu said.
Playing the lead role in Lo's last choreographic work brings mixed feelings for Sheu. She feels proud to perform Lo's work but has to control her emotions carefully because the dance makes her think of Lo.
For now, Sheu plans to keep dancing. In the future she wants to be involved in choreography and production, just like Lo.
"To carry on her legacy," Sheu said.