Dance Journeys | Yiran Shu

In all the parallel universes, this is the choice Shu Yiran feels most proud of – leaving behind her career in architectural design to pursue her passion for street dance in New York City.New York has always welcomed dreamers, and Yiran is one of many who found her true calling in this vibrant metropolis. Though trained as an architectural designer, a field of precision and structure, she discovered freedom and self-expression through street dance.She first encountered street dance during her student days in Boston, but it was merely a hobby then. A transformative trip to New York changed everything when she attended a House dance class. "It was like an explosion in my mind," she describes. For the first time, she understood that dance wasn't about mimicking movements but about truly connecting with the music and expressing what's inside.This revelation led her to commute regularly between Boston and New York before ultimately relocating to fully immerse herself in street dance culture. She joined the MOPTOP program and studied under legendary OG dancers, experiencing not only technical growth but also profound personal discovery. "Dance is therapeutic for me – a way to explore my inner world," she explains.Her dance philosophy is beautifully simple: "Dancing means forgetting about constraints." Though dance should be liberating, we often limit ourselves. "I used to think I couldn't freestyle because my upbringing taught me everything has a correct answer, but dance is different." Her breakthrough came during a late-night dance party where she felt completely guided by the music, forgetting all external expectations: "It was like an out-of-body experience. I wasn't thinking – the music was moving me, and my movements had never felt so natural."Beyond her personal journey, Yiran has created opportunities for others by founding the Summer Breeze Showcase, providing a platform for young New York dancers to express themselves. "I know this city is full of people like me who love dance but lack spaces to express themselves," she says modestly, adding that she's deeply moved whenever she sees friends dancing freely.When asked if dance can provide a living, she responds thoughtfully: "I'm still figuring that out. But isn't that what life is about? Doing what you love without waiting for the 'perfect moment.'"On the streets of New York, Yiran proves through every dance move that it's never too late to follow your passion.The link to the original podcast in Chinese: Ep1, Ep2Contact Her:the RedNote @19ins @yiranshu @summerbreezeshow This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetrygirl.substack.com