Meet Joan Liu

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joan Liu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Joan, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

In my early 20s, I had a period of time where my health declined drastically. I went from full-on rehearsing everyday and balancing other life obligations to not knowing if I’d live through to see another day. It was a dark time of my life and I was faced with questioning the meaning of life constantly. When the chest became heavy, when taking the next breath was taking all that I had left, my mind went to a place where I had no choice but to distill what’s my biggest regret and what I would do/change if I had another chance at life. That’s when I realized, if I survive, I want to dedicate my life to giving hope, may it be through arts, through science (I have a biology/pre-med background), through entrepreneurship, or through any other means. Ever since then, though my life my seem circuitous and unorganized to some, I know my principle and what I strive for.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My name is Joan Liu and I am the Artistic Director of Axons Dance Theatre. Axons Dance Theatre is a contemporary ballet company based in New York City with a mission statement to encourage communication through the art of dance. The choreography aims to blur the boundaries between disciplines and create conversations between communities that would not normally get together. I also teach at Ballet Arts at New York City Center, act as committee member for Dance Astoria, as well as engaging in independent performing/teaching/choreographing/collaborating projects.

I am currently working on bringing back the full-length ballet I choreographed. “Pasta” is a two-act ballet that premiered in 2019 at the invitation of American Liberty Ballet. While it was a wonderful opportunity with some of the most supportive dancers, I felt there were many territories still left to be explored. Follow Axons Dance Theatre and/or join the mailing list to stay up to date of when “Pasta” is on stage again. If you have a few dollars to spare, Axons Dance Theatre is fiscally sponsored by The Field and you can make tax-deductible donations.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say a keen curiosity without worrying about outcome is most impactful in my journey. The great thing about being in New York City is you meet people from all kinds of background and experience. I have a genuine curiosity towards everyone and everything that I come in contact with. Often times, we find ourselves resonating and connecting at a different level, which not only elevates the end product but lead to more, exciting opportunities. Sometimes I see younger dancers or new professionals with lots of potential yet too focused on their single goal that they disregard anything/anyone that’s not directly involved in their “linear path to success”. While there’s a time and place to be focused, creating space to explore “uncharted territories” can often be a source of inspiration.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

I meditate. I grew up practicing martial arts and I was taught in a way that the inner forms are much more important than the outer forms. I have ADHD and as a child, meditation was what helped me through some of the most difficult times of my life. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I go back to my meditation. Meditation can look different from person to person; even within the same individual, it can have its varieties. For me, meditation can be a short split second practice to acknowledge what I am feeling without judgment, or an extended sit where I allow ample time to let dusts settle. Many have told me meditation does not work for them. My advice is to start small and expect nothing. Trust the process. Know that there’s a reason the universe put you in this world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://joanjcliu.wixsite.com/home
• Instagram: @JoanyMacaroni
• Facebook: Joan Liu – Dance and Wellness
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joan-liu-766b5451/

Image Credits

Benjamin Petit, Emma O’Brian, Raquel Beauchamp, Melissa Wu, Alice Chacon, Becky Zhang