We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erin Wu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erin below.

Erin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Dark Legacy directed by Anthony Pietromonaco – “In order to complete her training, Kia must vanquish her sinister Sith master in a duel to the death.”

I’ve always gravitated towards characters who are trapped and trying to break free from their restraints. This one in particular was my very first lead role and I connected to Kia. I loved her for empowering herself, her resilience, and fighting spirit… and we don’t know what’s going to happen next!

Erin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m an actress specializing in Wushu sword & Martial Arts and pole choreography.
Born in Taiwan, I moved to Ohio when I was 3 months old and competed in ice skating and dance. When I was 10, I moved to San Jose and started my Wushu Martial Arts training with sword and spear. At UCLA, I directed Samahang Modern Hip Hop team and joined the Wushu team, winning gold in Spear at collegiates. I graduated with B.A in Sociology and Theater Minor and started to film action sequences in music videos with my Wushu Sword, which then led to my first lead role.

Then I had an audition where the character pole danced to pay for her father’s medical bills. I began to learn pole and fell in love with it immediately! I felt free, strong, and even sensual, spinning and flying on the pole. I continued training for years until I became an instructor at DOM Dancing Space and Sabbath Circle. I created my own Online Pole & Dance Studio to share the movement. The videos include warm ups, stretch, floor work, heels, pole choreography and pole tricks. I absolutely love choreographing on “Spin” pole – the combination of floorwork, pole tricks and interweaving choreography in heels. My specialty is in the nuances – to melt and perform effortlessly with great musicality. I’m most proud of the growth in my students, it brings me joy! I see them transforming into empowered, confident, and free flowing dancers.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

DANCE
My goal in dance is to help them connect to their body, free their spirit & own their sensuality.
My mission is to enable each individual to gain a strong sense of confidence and self worth.
Pole dance has been a game changer for me and I hope to share my movement with the world.

FILM/TV
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon inspired me to train Martial Arts. Dark Angel played by Jessica Alba was my secret role model growing up because she is a badass who spoke her truth (except for that one secret haha). They got me through tough times and I also want to do that for others. I hope to empower, move & connect people. I’m most passionate about working on films/series focused on transformations, resilience and fighting back against abuse that changes perspectives.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Creating art that can inspire change

Contact Info:

• Website: www.erinwu.com
• Instagram: @erinwushu
• Youtube: @erinwushu
• Other: Online Pole Studio https://www.erinwu.com/onlinepolestudio

Image Credits
Photographer: Simon Needham