Life & Work with Helen Dang of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen Dang.

Hi Helen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
If you told my 16-year-old self in Beijing — secretly watching Hip Hop dance videos behind my parents’ backs — that I’d one day dance in films and TV shows, or create an award-winning dance film of my own, they wouldn’t have believed you.
I started dancing “late” at 17, after moving alone to Victoria, Canada, for university. Back home, street dance wasn’t encouraged — my parents saw it as rebellious. But once I was on my own, I followed my curiosity and found my first teachers: Roberta Bierman, Jerome Esplana, and Scott Forsyth. Their passion lit a fire in me, and within a few months, I was already competing — and soon winning.
Beginning in 2015, I became a national champion multiple times in Canada — including Hip Hop International, Artist Emerge, The Release, and Represent. Those early years shaped not only my technique, but also my confidence, creativity, and voice as an artist.
Six years into my dance journey, I began to perform in major film and TV projects like Netflix’s The Christmas Chronicles 2, Disney+’s Descendants 5 and Prom Pact, The CW’s Riverdale, embodying Seraphine for League of Legends: K/DA Worlds, and appearing in commercials for brands like Hyundai and DJI. I’ve had the privilege of working with award-winning choreographers such as Christopher Scott, Emilio Dosal, Heather Laura Gray, Mike Song, Amanda May, and Addy Chan.
In 2022, I choreographed and starred in Meltt’s music video “Within You, Within Me,” which has now reached over 1.5 million views. In 2024, I created Revenge of the Black Widow — my first dance film as creative director, choreographer, lead actor, and dancer. It went on to win top awards at Innovate Dance Film Showcase, and WILDsound Festival.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I first fell in love with dance, it felt like I was in a secret relationship.
Back in Beijing, pursuing the arts — especially street dance — wasn’t seen as a “real job.” My parents didn’t understand why I was so drawn to it, and for years, they didn’t support my path. They would have much preferred that I use my Business degree to pursue a more conventional career. That was one of the hardest parts — having so much passion and success, yet feeling unseen by the people I loved most.
But instead of letting that break me, I used the doubt as motivation. I kept training, competing, and slowly proving myself. In 2016, when they visited me in Canada and watched our rehearsals and competition prep, something shifted. They saw the discipline, the teamwork, the effort — and the growth beyond just dance moves.
As I began booking professional work, I started using the term dance career when I spoke to them — intentionally, to show how committed I was. Over time, they began to understand not just my success, but how deeply dance is a part of who I am.
It took nearly a decade, but now they’re some of my biggest supporters — even helping connect me to opportunities to teach and judge in China. I’m so grateful they now see and celebrate the passion that continues to fuel my journey.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
If I had to sum up my work in one word, it would be fusion.
Movement has always been my language — a way to bridge cultures, tell stories, and spark connection.
As a dancer, actor, martial artist, choreographer, and instructor, I wear many hats — but at the core, my artistry lives in blending street dance with my Chinese heritage. That fusion has become my signature, and it’s what sets my work apart.
One of my proudest projects is Revenge of the Black Widow (2024), a short dance film where I served as creative director, choreographer, lead actor, and lead dancer. It brought together everything I love — dance, acting, and action — while weaving in rich Chinese elements throughout. From the song choice Black Widow by Akini Jing, to costume design by Julia Bose, from the fighting styles to set design, and even Mandarin and Cantonese dialogue — every detail was intentional. Collaborating with director and producer Joseph Le (Team Red Pro) and fight choreographer/coordinator and producer Tarell Bullock (Team Red Pro), we crafted a unique story with bold visual storytelling, and the film became the only double-award winner at the Innovate Dance Film Showcase.
What’s meant the most, though, is the response from the community. The dance scene embraced my work not just for its creativity, but for the way it unapologetically fused street dance with my Chinese culture. Sharing that onstage inspired others to do the same. I’ve had dancers and non dancers audience tell me it made them feel proud of their own heritage, and less afraid to show who they really are.
So many of us grow up trying to blend in, to fit what we think others want. But I’ve learned that the more I lean into my roots, the more powerful, honest, and connected my work becomes — and that’s the kind of impact I want to keep making.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
If there’s one lesson that’s shaped me the most — it’s that we don’t thrive alone.
As artists, we often chase personal growth and career milestones, but the real magic happens in community.
Finding my people — those who share the same drive, values, and love for the craft — has been everything. In those spaces, I feel safe to be fully myself, and that’s where my best work is born. The love, support, and collaboration I’ve found in the right environments have pushed me further than I ever could’ve gone alone.
I’ve also learned that being a good artist means being a good human first. No matter how competitive this industry gets, it costs nothing to treat others with love and respect.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm13307590?ref_=nm_nv_usr_profile
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oohelendang?igsh=MjFrbWRjeXY0d3Z5&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@oohelendang?_t=ZM-8vawig66XmZ&_r=1