By Renée Tillotson with Doris Morisaki
Most of us knew Shaoshu Jiang as a precise, masterful Latin dancer who carried himself with immaculate poise and flair. We couldn’t miss the chemistry he shared with his partner Monique. With their snap, their flourish, and their professional sass, they riveted our attention. During their many cha-cha-cha and rumba performances across our Barefoot Ballroom floor, we watched them spin, shimmy, glide, and dip with sparkling execution. For his exquisite synchronization with his beautiful partner and to the music – that’s how many of us knew him.
For some of us at Still & Moving who’d known him longer, he was also a warm presence, seeking us out in a crowd to say hello and to give a hug. He’d be overjoyed to see us if we crossed paths in town. He left fanfare behind when he left the dance floor, re-assuming something of a friendly, tech-nerd persona. Very endearing.
Originally from China, a few of us first met Shaoshu when he zoomed into our Satsang conversations from where he was living in Seattle – probably in 2020. As we all read the inspiring quotes for the week in the Still & Moving Center Almanac, Shaoshu’s eager mind would always come up with questions I had never considered. Then he and I would both listen attentively to answers I had never given before! Hah! Not content to let statements of philosophy remain theoretical, Shaoshu was always eager to know how someone would live such ideas in daily life. When I’d ask, he always offered perspectives from his rather progressive Chinese upbringing, and we’d seek to integrate many points of view from around the world.
Shaoshu moved to Honolulu with something of a lonely heart, knowing that he would at least find community here with us and with our mutual Still & Moving friend Miku Lenentine. As he evolved into a steadfast member of the Still & Moving ’ohana (family), Shaoshu gave more than he ever took. We always knew that an event of ours would be a great hit if Shaoshu and Monique showed up to teach, demo, or perform!
Those of us who knew and loved him feel deprived of a light extinguished long before we would ever have wanted, as if a shadow is passing deeply through our being. We weren’t expecting it from such vibrant young man.
We will miss all that you gave for the love of dance and friendship, Shaoshu. Mahalo nui loa for your elegance, your radiant smile, your curiosity, and your warm, beautiful heart.
This post is also available in: