Steps in many directions

Outspokenness is typical of Jin Xing, who says: "I am born for the stage. And it's impossible to have another person like me, who is good at dancing, acting and hosting TV shows."

Jin, 51, is one of the best known modern dance choreographers of the country. And she has also expanded her career into acting in plays, starring in TV dramas, movies, as well as hosting talk shows on TV and on the internet.

Her life story spans being a transgender performer, a businesswoman and a mother of three children.

After wrapping up her performance as the lead in a play, The Father, along with Chinese actor Zhao Lixin, at the National Centre for the Performing Arts over July 6-8, she introduces two contemporary dance shows by her company, Jin Xing Dance Theater, which will be staged at the venue: Trinity on July 17 and 18; and Wild Flowers on July 20 and 21.

"For a private contemporary dance company, it's not easy to survive, let alone perform at such a famous venue like the NCPA.

"I am so proud," says Jin, who founded her dance company in 1999, and it is now based in Shanghai.

The 90-minute dance piece Trinity comprises three dance pieces choreographed by three international choreographers. The pieces premiered in Shanghai in 2013.

American dancer-choreographer Michael Schumacher created the dance piece, Application I, referring to application program, which was inspired by his observation of the Chinese dependence on smartphones after he lived in Shanghai for a few months.

Echo, created by South African artist Moya Michael, who is a founding member of Akram Khan's company, focuses on women. Seven female dancers from Jin's company premiered the dance piece in Shanghai.