Master of Movement
The first and only female Chief Music Leader of Hong Kong’s Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance on pushing boundaries and never
According to local lore, the year 1880 brought a series of misfortunes to the village of Tai Hang: a python devoured all the livestock, a typhoon lashed the village, and a devastating plague ravaged the community. Inspired by a prophetic dream received by a village elder from Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, the people of Tai Hang orchestrated a fire dragon dance that successfully dispelled the village’s misfortunes.
Tai Hang is no longer the small Hakka village it once was, but the annual tradition remains to ward off bad luck with a parade performed over the Mid-Autumn Festival. Renowned for its cultural significance, the mesmerizing three-day spectacle is now recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hong Kong.
Made from rattan, rope, and straw, and adorned with over 20,000 lit incense sticks along its 220-foot (67 m) body, the formidable fire dragon weaves through the streets amidst a haze of smoke and the resounding echo of gongs and drums, requiring the coordination of over 300 performers to bear the weight of the dragon. Among these performers, one stands out: a woman, passionate about connecting people with their history and heritage, bringing them new experiences, while championing innovation and progress—values she shares with Hong Kong’s flagship carrier, Cathay Pacific.
The Female Drummer
Growing up in Tai Hang, the fire dragon has always been an integral part of Natural Chu’s life. “There’s a Chinese proverb that says those who stay close to vermilion will turn red, and those who stay close to ink will turn black,” says Chu, Chief Music Leader of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance.
As an active child, Chu engaged in extracurricular activities at the Tai Hang Residents’ Welfare Association Center located just up the street from her home. It was here at the home of the fire dragon that she became acquainted with key figures, including Chan Tak-fai, the late Commander-in-Chief of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance affectionately known as Fai Gor, or Brother Fai.
“Fai Gor used to say I was quite naughty, always trying to get involved while they were building the dragon,” Chu reminisces. Starting as a Lotus Girl carrying lanterns in the parade, her curiosity and enthusiasm soon drew her to two drummers, Ar Leung and Dice Man, who took her under their wing, nurturing her growing interest in drumming.
By the age of 18, Chu began playing drums for the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, and a few years later, she, Ar Leung, and Dice Man were promoted to Chief Music Leaders, marking Chu as the first and only woman to ever hold this title.
Moving Beyond Traditions
Navigating the traditionally male-dominated sphere of drumming as a woman presented its challenges. “It’s not just about strength; skill and experience are crucial for the precise drumming energy,” says Chu. Over time, she’s developed respect and strong bonds with many members of her team, which has helped her learn to rise above skepticism, accepting that “I can’t please everyone.”
There’s pride and honor in being part of the fire dragon.
Natural Chu, Chief Music Leader, Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
This is where she finds the confidence to push boundaries and promote progressive ideals within the long-standing tradition. Though she now lives elsewhere, her childhood neighborhood in Tai Hang remains a core part of her identity. “There’s something magnetic about the fire dragon that draws me back every year.”
After a four-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance made a triumphant return in October 2023. This revival featured the introduction of smaller, solar-powered dragons, using glow paint instead of traditional joss sticks, and marked Chu’s inaugural year of officially carrying the fire dragon.
Connecting Experiences
When she’s not rehearsing for the annual event or teaching younger generations through classes and demonstrations, Chu also works in movie production. Starting as a film extra in her teens, she has navigated diverse roles, both in front of and behind the camera, in casting and production coordination, with credits including ‘Tai Chi Man,’ the directorial debut of Keanu Reeves.
Chu’s worlds of fire dragon and movies converged when a movie stuntman recognized her at the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance one year, leading to her foray into stunt work. As she approaches her 40th birthday next year, Chu’s momentum remains strong. She also captains day boats, offering visitors excursions to offshore islands or a waterborne vantage point for fireworks during special holidays.
Her maritime connections have also drawn her to the world of dragon boat racing. Since early 2023, she has competed in various competitions, both as a rower and a drummer. “They said that if I didn’t drop the paddle on my first race, I’d already be a winner,” she recalls with a smile, having indeed emerged victorious.
As for the future of a woman who is constantly moving forward, Chu views her life as her most significant project, and is dedicated to making every day meaningful.
Learning is a lifetime thing, and I keep moving, never allowing myself to stop.
Natural Chu, Chief Music Leader, Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
No matter where life’s currents may take her, her heart remains forever intertwined with Tai Hang. “I am part of the fire dragon, so I still consider myself a Tai Hang Boy,” she says, embracing the moniker that has come to symbolize her enduring spirit.
From the beating heart of cultural traditions to the adrenaline-fueled world of stunts, Chu continues to weave her story, one that is intrinsically linked to her roots yet marked by an unyielding commitment to growth. As she honors her roots in Tai Hang while charting new waters, Chu’s journey is a powerful reminder that, to keep moving is to keep evolving in the dance of life.
Natural Chu’s
From distinct neighborhoods to culinary diversity, discover Hong Kong through the Tai Hang Boy’s favorite aspects of this vibrant destination.
Convenient Travel
Home to one of the busiest airports in the world, Hong Kong connects travelers to a multitude of destinations across the globe. A developed transport network also allows visitors and locals like Chu to easily travel within Hong Kong.
Distinct Neighborhoods
While Central’s skyscraper-flanked Victoria Harbour may be Hong Kong’s most recognizable district, Chu prefers enclaves with a strong community vibe such as Tai Hang and Aberdeen.
Offshore Islands
Hong Kong has over 250 islands to explore, including Lantau, home to a traditional fishing village, and Chu also recommends boat excursions to outlying islands such as Cheung Chau and Lamma.
The Peak
The highest point on Hong Kong Island offers panoramic views of the city from 1,811 feet (552 m) above sea level. Here, visitors can enjoy hiking trails and nature walks, including a pathway that loops 3.5 km around the peak.
Cathay Pacific offers flights between Hong Kong SAR to over 200 destinations worldwide, connecting travelers to meaningful people, places,
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