We were lucky to catch up with Helen Dang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Helen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

“This film was my rebellion, my love letter, and my bridge.”
The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on is Revenge of the Black Widow (2024), my first original dance film — and the first time I fully saw myself reflected in my own work.
I wore many hats for this piece: creative director, choreographer, lead actor and dancer, and producer. But beyond the roles and titles, this film was deeply personal. It was the culmination of years spent trying to connect two cultures I hold close: my Chinese heritage, and the Hip Hop dance culture that shaped me into the artist I am.
Growing up in Beijing, I was raised in a culture that prioritized tradition and academic success. Street dance wasn’t just frowned upon — it was completely off the radar. But when I moved to Canada at 17, I found freedom in movement. Hip Hop gave me a language to express the parts of myself I hadn’t known how to share. Because I love both cultures so deeply, and because they’re so radically different, I’ve always felt a pull between them. Over time, I realized that my calling as an artist isn’t to choose one over the other, but to bridge them — to create a fresh, authentic flavor the world hasn’t seen.
With Revenge of the Black Widow, I finally leaned all the way in. It became an unapologetic artistic statement that honored both sides of who I am. Collaborating with two of my favorite artists, Joseph Le (director, producer), Tarell Bullock (producer, fight choreographer/coordinator), and Leslie Kwan (Actor), we built a world that was bold, feminine, and deeply rooted in East Asian aesthetics — with street dance and martial arts as its backbone. From the soundtrack — “Black Widow” by the phenomenal Akini Jing — to the costumes by Julia Bose, to the Mandarin and Cantonese dialogue woven into the script, every detail was thoughtfully crafted in collaboration with my team to reflect and celebrate my identity.
The response moved me more than any award. The film won top honors at both the Innovate Dance Film Showcase and WILDsound Festival — but it was the messages I received afterward that truly hit home. Dancers and non-dancers told me they felt seen. They told me it gave them courage to embrace their heritage, to stop hiding pieces of themselves in order to fit in.
What made this project even more meaningful was the opportunity to spotlight dancers who deserve to be seen on the big screen, but haven’t had that chance yet — some of whom I’ve had the privilege of mentoring over the years. It was incredibly rewarding to create a space where they could shine, contribute their unique talents, and be a part of something bigger. Watching them grow alongside me and seeing their hard work pay off was an experience that made the project even more special.
Revenge of the Black Widow wasn’t just a creative milestone — it was a turning point in how I engage with the world. I realized that when I embrace my roots, the work becomes more powerful and authentic, not just for me but for those who share in that journey. Moving forward, I want to keep creating art that opens the door for others to proudly share their own stories and cultures, too.

Helen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I didn’t plan to become an artist. I thought I was moving to Canada for a business degree, then heading straight back to China — but somewhere between lecture halls and late-night studio sessions, dance found me, and never let go.
My name is Helen Dang — I’m a professional dancer, choreographer, actor, and martial artist. Originally from Beijing, I moved to Canada alone at 17 to attend university. While earning my business degree, I spent every spare moment training in street dance, especially Hip Hop and Popping — a culture that gave me a voice when words weren’t enough.
What started as a hidden passion grew into a full-time career — performing 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, Galen Hooks, Emilio Dosal, Heather Laura Gray, Mike Song, Amanda May, and Addy Chan.
 Beyond my own journey, I’m passionate about lifting others — mentoring the next generation of dancers in the city, helping train them toward pre-professional level, and teaching classes across more than 10 studios in Canada to spread the love and joy of dance to all ages.
Outside of performance and teaching, I’m committed to creating original work that reflects deeper stories. I choreographed and starred in Vancouver band Meltt’s music video Within You, Within Me (now with over 1.5M views), and in 2024, I directed my first original dance film, Revenge of the Black Widow — a fusion of martial arts, street dance, and Chinese storytelling that went on to win top awards at film festivals.
If there’s one thing I want people to take away from my work, it’s that our roots and our passions are not separate — they are the source of our power. I hope to keep creating work that encourages others to lean into who they are, to tell their stories boldly, and to build bridges across cultures through art.

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

At the heart of my creative journey is one mission: to stay authentic — to myself, my roots, and the communities that have shaped me.
For a long time, I thought I had to fit into molds — be “this enough” or “that enough” to belong, especially with the huge culture shock moving from China to Canada. But the deeper I leaned into my real story — my Chinese roots, my Hip Hop training, my love for martial arts and movement — the more honest and powerful my work became.
 I’m passionate about building bridges between worlds — blending tradition and innovation, and showing that you don’t have to erase where you come from to create something new.
It’s also about giving back. I want to help dancers and artists who haven’t had the spotlight yet — especially those who deserve to be seen — to find platforms where they can thrive and be proud of who they are.
Ultimately, my mission is simple but personal: to create work that’s bold, honest, and rooted in truth — and to inspire others to do the same.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist isn’t the applause or recognition — it’s the moment my work truly clicks with someone. When I see that spark in someone’s eyes or hear them say how my art made them feel something unexpected, I know I’ve done my job. That connection is everything.
For my dancers and cast, it’s hearing them talk about what they’ve gained from the creative process — whether it’s learning about the essence of the piece (I always give a full background presentation before diving into choreography to set the right intention and mindset), or the joy of working with such a talented, supportive team. I value creating a respectful environment where they can push themselves the hardest while feeling supported, appreciated and safe.
For me, it’s about using movement to bring joy, introduce someone to a culture they might not know, and remind them to be proud of where they come from. I want my work to open minds, break barriers, and leave people in awe of the magic and power dance and movement holds. If I can make someone feel seen or inspire them to embrace their own heritage and identity, then I’ve truly made an impact. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13307590
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oohelendang
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@oohelendang