We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Valkyrie Yao. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Valkyrie below.
Valkyrie , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
When I was young, I left home and had to navigate life on my own. There were moments where bullying and unfairness threatened to break me, but they also taught me the importance of self-reliance. In those moments, I realized that I could either allow these experiences to define me or use them as fuel to rise above.
There were times when I faced physical injury and had to rebuild myself from the ground up. These challenges made me realize that healing isn’t just about the body; it’s also about the mind and spirit. Overcoming those setbacks gave me an understanding of my own strength and what it truly means to endure.
And in a constantly shifting world, I’ve had to summon the courage to leave the familiar, to step beyond my comfort zone, and to see the world with new eyes. Each time I’ve faced adversity, I’ve learned that resilience is not about avoiding pain, but about learning how to turn it into growth. The real lesson I’ve learned is that resilience isn’t just about surviving, but about finding the courage to keep going, to keep evolving, and to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.
In the end, I learned to stand up, again and again, from countless falls.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a multidisciplinary artist and a choreographer. My discourse emerges from my multicultural heritage, blending the philosophical traditions of Eastern cultures, such as Daoism and Tibetan Buddhism, with contemporary Western methodologies. My practice spans both performing and visual arts, where I aim to explore the complexities of human existence through interdisciplinary work. I strive to create art that speaks to universal themes—vulnerability, power dynamics, interconnectedness—offering a voice to those often underrepresented.
I view art as a medium for transformation, where unfamiliarity can be experienced and understood on a deeply embodied level. Through my works, I hope to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western philosophies, offering a commentary on modern life while honoring the wisdom of my ancestors. I try to preserve the often-overlooked beauty of Eastern culture, presenting it on international stages to elevate and preserve its relevance.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Always Stay Fool: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to never stop being curious. Embracing a mindset of “foolishness”—the willingness to ask questions, to explore, and to learn—is crucial. The world is vast and full of complexity, and by staying open and curious, we allow ourselves to grow and discover new things, both in our work and in life. My advice is to approach everything with a sense of wonder. Don’t be afraid to not have all the answers; instead, let your curiosity lead the way. 2. Be Humble: The more I learn, the more I realize how little I actually know. In the face of an ocean of knowledge, we are but grains of sand on the shore. Humility has taught me that growth comes not from knowing everything but from being open to learning from others, acknowledging that every experience offers something valuable. For those starting out, I’d encourage you to embrace humility in your learning process. Don’t let ego or pride limit your potential—seek wisdom from every source and person you encounter.
3. Trust Your Instincts: Over time, I’ve learned to trust my own intuition and judgment. As an artist, and in life in general, we often find ourselves facing moments of uncertainty. It’s easy to be influenced by external opinions or pressures, but I’ve found that my best decisions come when I trust my instincts. They guide me when I’m unsure, helping me find clarity amidst chaos. My advice to others is simple: trust yourself. Listen to your inner voice and trust your judgment, even when the path ahead seems unclear. Your intuition often knows what your mind can’t yet articulate.
And to be kind to yourself along the way, and to remember that every step, even the missteps, contributes to who you will become.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
“Stand on my own two feet.” From a young age, I was taught, “You make your decision, you are the only one responsible for yourself.” It was a lesson about self-reliance, one that came with both its strengths and burdens. I learned that if I fell, no one would be there to catch me, and that sense of responsibility has shaped who I am today.
This upbringing, while fostering independence, also led me to become resilient and self-sufficient, perhaps to an extreme. I’ve learned to be constantly in control of my circumstances—my movements, emotions, actions—because I know no one else will step in if things go wrong. I’ve structured my life to minimize uncertainty, from the routines I follow to the way I plan every aspect of my work.
I think this mindset also influences my approach to both life and art. My need for control helps me stay focused, but it also makes me very driven. I don’t allow myself to be distracted by things that don’t contribute to my goals. For me, efficiency and directness matter more than anything else—getting to the essence of what needs to be done without unnecessary frills. I may seem distant or impatient, but it’s only because I want to get straight to what matters.
In a way, my parents’ lesson of independence also taught me not to expect fairness or comfort from life. It’s a harsh reality, but it’s one that has empowered me to carve my own path and trust that, ultimately, the responsibility lies with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valkyrieyao.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlkyink
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Valkyrie-Yao/pfbid0mVMpkNy5zcr5EsEAc7kZyHuJ6zibywDMmBW8hSBaDFwAyAcRD7qKr4ttzSnrCZhcl/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@valkyrieyao527
Image Credits
Richard Pence Chad Westover Tim Trumble Carlos Arturo Velarde
