Liu Fushui, a dance lover. [Photo by Wang Xinlin]

For Liu Fushui, from his youth to old age, dance not only has given him a positive and healthy physical and mental state, but it has also given him solace whenever he's homesick and lonely. Dance nourishes him through difficult circumstances and shows his patriotism; it is the best expression of overseas Chinese stories.

Liu Fushui, who is now 76-years-old, was born in Indonesia. His ancestral home is in the Chaozhou-Shantou area, and he is the youngest son in his family. After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the upsurge of those returning to China to build home has attracted more and more overseas Chinese. At the age of 17, Liu boarded a ship returning to China which carried him to Shantou, Guangdong for seven days and nights. This journey opened the way to study "alone in my hometown."

"Because of my good appearance and artistic talent, I served as the entertainment representative of the class, and I was elected to the school arts troupe with an opportunity to study dance," Liu Fushui said.

In the days away from his relatives, Liu Fushui incorporated his thoughts about his family, Indonesian national culture, and Chinese national customs into his dance. He performed Indonesian umbrella dances and Chinese minority dances, drawing on the national culture and characteristics of the two countries, thereby turning the feelings of locals into artistic inspiration.

Later, he was admitted to Jinan University. Being an educated youth, he joined the army. All the while, he was a mainstay of literature and art. "When I was in the army, I created a dance and won the honor of excellence in military performance," Liu Fushui said proudly.

After leaving the army, Liu Fushui worked in Guangzhou for a short time and then moved to Hong Kong. In 1994, Liu Fushui came to Zhongshan to set up a shoe processing factory, and his life's focus moved to Zhongshan, which became his adopted "hometown."

Liu Fushui worked hard for his career. At the same time, his enthusiasm and love for dance never diminished. In 2000, Liu Fushui utilized his talent and helped the Indonesian Overseas Chinese Association to organize dance programs and performances at the Gathering of Overseas Chinese of Zhongshan Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. After that, he joined the dance team of this Federation and led the dance team to showcase the elegance of overseas Chinese.

In 2009, after his retirement, Liu Fushui devoted himself to furthering his love of dance. He arranged works that reflected the love and patriotism of overseas Chinese, such as "Love Our China." He performed in various overseas Chinese activities in Zhongshan and other cities.

"For me, dance is the best way to carry and express my emotions. Dancing keeps my body and mind young, and my love for my country and hometown grows fiercer and deeper," Liu Fushui said.