Chinese Dancer
Profile of Xiao Jie
Name: Xiaojie (小杰)
Real Name: Zhao Zhijie (赵志杰)
Date of Birth: February 5, 1991
Place of Birth: Changsha, Hunan, China
Nationality: Chinese
Occupation: Dancer, Choreographer, Dance Instructor
Specialization: Hip-Hop, Street Dance, Breaking, Locking
Years Active: 2010–present
Notable Achievements: Winner of Street Dance of China Season 3 (2020)
Social Media: Active on Weibo and Douyin
Early Life and Dance Beginnings
Xiaojie, whose real name is Zhao Zhijie, was born on February 5, 1991, in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. Growing up in Changsha, a city known for its vibrant entertainment and youth culture, Xiaojie was exposed to various forms of music and dance at a young age. However, it was hip-hop that captured his attention and ignited his passion for street dance. Xiaojie became deeply interested in the culture of hip-hop, drawn to its emphasis on personal expression, rhythm, and creativity.
During his teenage years, Xiaojie began to immerse himself in the world of street dance. Largely self-taught at first, he learned by watching online videos and studying the styles of famous international dancers. Early on, he gravitated toward hip-hop, breaking, and locking, which would later become the foundation of his dance style.
Changsha’s local street dance scene provided Xiaojie with opportunities to refine his skills and participate in small dance battles. His natural talent, coupled with his relentless dedication to improving his technique, helped him quickly stand out among his peers. By his late teens, Xiaojie had gained a reputation as one of the most promising young dancers in the Changsha hip-hop community.
Early Career and Rise in the Chinese Dance Scene
Xiaojie’s journey into the professional dance world began in the early 2010s, as China’s hip-hop scene was slowly gaining momentum. Unlike traditional forms of Chinese dance, hip-hop was still seen as an underground subculture, but its growing popularity in urban centers like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou presented new opportunities for talented street dancers like Xiaojie.
He started competing in various regional and national dance battles, showcasing his versatility in hip-hop, breaking, and locking. His performances were characterized by his precise musicality, sharp moves, and dynamic stage presence. Xiaojie’s ability to seamlessly blend different street dance styles into his routines made him a standout performer at these competitions.
His early career was marked by numerous wins in local battles and recognition within China’s street dance community. Xiaojie quickly built a name for himself as a skilled dancer with a distinct style, capable of dominating the dance floor with both power and finesse.
Breakthrough: Street Dance of China Season 3 (2020)
Xiaojie’s rise to mainstream fame came in 2020 when he participated in the third season of the highly popular reality show Street Dance of China (这! 就是街舞). The show, which features top street dancers from across China, allowed Xiaojie to showcase his skills on a national stage and compete against some of the country’s most talented dancers.
Throughout the competition, Xiaojie impressed both the judges and viewers with his creativity, control, and fluidity. His choreography combined elements of hip-hop, locking, and breaking, and his ability to tell stories through movement made him a favorite among fans. One of Xiaojie’s most notable performances during the competition was a piece that incorporated both traditional Chinese elements and modern hip-hop, showcasing his versatility as a dancer.
As the competition progressed, Xiaojie consistently delivered standout performances, winning multiple rounds and earning praise from the celebrity mentors. His confident demeanor, technical precision, and ability to adapt to different styles and challenges helped him secure a place in the finals.
In the season finale, Xiaojie emerged as the winner of Street Dance of China Season 3, a victory that catapulted him to national fame. His win was a defining moment in his career, as it not only showcased his talent to millions of viewers but also helped legitimize hip-hop and street dance as respected art forms in China.
Style and Choreography
Xiaojie’s dance style is a fusion of hip-hop, locking, and breaking, with a strong focus on musicality and storytelling. His movements are marked by clean lines, sharp isolations, and a deep connection to the rhythm of the music. While rooted in the foundational elements of hip-hop, Xiaojie frequently incorporates unique and innovative choreography into his routines, making his performances fresh and exciting.
One of his signature moves is his ability to switch seamlessly between different dance styles within a single performance. He often blends the fluid, groove-heavy movements of hip-hop with the more explosive power moves of breaking, creating dynamic and unpredictable routines. His versatility allows him to stand out in both freestyle battles and choreographed performances.
In addition to his technical skills, Xiaojie is known for his ability to evoke emotion through dance. His performances often convey a narrative, using dance to express themes such as personal struggle, joy, and triumph. This storytelling ability, combined with his technical expertise, has earned him a reputation as one of China’s most creative and innovative dancers.
Cultural Impact and Contributions to Chinese Hip-Hop
Xiaojie’s influence extends beyond his personal achievements as a dancer. As the winner of Street Dance of China, he has played a significant role in popularizing hip-hop culture in China, particularly among younger generations. His performances have helped raise awareness of street dance as a legitimate art form, inspiring countless aspiring dancers to pursue their passion for hip-hop.
Hip-hop in China has traditionally been an underground movement, but dancers like Xiaojie have brought the genre into the mainstream. Through his success on Street Dance of China and other platforms, Xiaojie has helped bridge the gap between street dance and mainstream entertainment, showing that hip-hop can be both commercially viable and artistically respected.
In addition to his work as a performer, Xiaojie has contributed to the Chinese dance community as a choreographer and dance instructor. He has mentored and trained younger dancers, passing on his knowledge and skills to the next generation. His work as a choreographer has also led to collaborations with high-profile artists and brands, further elevating his status as a key figure in China’s hip-hop scene.
Personal Life and Public Persona
Despite his growing fame, Xiaojie remains down-to-earth and focused on his craft. He is known for his humble and hardworking nature, often spending long hours practicing and refining his dance techniques. Xiaojie has expressed that his motivation comes from a deep love for dance and a desire to continue pushing the boundaries of what street dance can achieve.
Xiaojie is active on social media platforms such as Weibo and Douyin, where he regularly interacts with his fans and shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life. His online presence has helped him connect with a broader audience and build a loyal fanbase that appreciates not only his talent but also his positive attitude and dedication to his art.
When not dancing, Xiaojie enjoys listening to music, watching films, and exploring new creative outlets. His interests in different art forms often influence his choreography, giving his dance performances a unique and multi-dimensional quality.
Future Prospects
With his undeniable talent, versatility, and creative vision, Xiaojie is poised to continue making significant contributions to China’s hip-hop and street dance scenes. His victory on Street Dance of China has opened doors for him to collaborate with other artists, choreograph major projects, and further establish himself as one of China’s leading dancers.
Looking ahead, Xiaojie has expressed interest in expanding his career beyond dance competitions. He has hinted at exploring new artistic avenues, including directing dance films and working in the fashion industry. As he continues to grow as an artist, Xiaojie’s influence on both Chinese and international hip-hop culture is likely to deepen.
His journey from an underground dancer in Changsha to a national champion on one of China’s biggest dance shows is a testament to his hard work, talent, and passion for hip-hop. Xiaojie’s story serves as an inspiration to dancers across China and around the world, and his legacy as a trailblazer in Chinese hip-hop culture is just beginning to unfold.