Chao Chih-han

Name, where are you from?
Chao Chih-han, Taipei, Taiwan.

What do you do?
I am a Chinese diabolo performance artist.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
In 2017, I entered the 38th Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain, one of the top three circus events in the world. I was very grateful to be invited, and winning the gold medal was truly a great honour. Through this event, I realized the world of circus is much bigger than I had ever known. My talent doesn’t have to be classified as a traditional cultural performance; instead, I can take it to a higher level and let the world see it. Life is full of choices and processes, and it brought me to a world-class stage. There is a story behind each performance and opportunity that comes around. Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain, along with other grand-scale shows, have all been memorable experiences.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I was very influenced by techno music. During my younger days, I always had traditional music as a background to my diabolo performances. Even though I was a frequent contest winner with impressive skills, I never really told my friends I had this talent. Instead, I just told them I was good at basketball.  Not that I had issues admitting taking part in traditional arts, but I’d rather be seen with a cool look. It was not until much later that I realised that I could take my performance in a different direction, just like how street dance can be versatile depending on the music type. I started incorporating techno music to my diabolo gigs, letting the beat and mood enhance my presence. Gradually, it was coming together: I created a distinctive style when I perform. Realizing diabolo can also be innovative, I became more confident to show others what I do.

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
I enjoyed every show I was invited to, and found each of them unforgettable. 2 of the shows were especially so: I took part in the premiere of Messi 10 in Barcelona, a Cirque do Soleil production. The stage was a massive setup with different mechanical designs to it, placed inside a soccer field. I did a solo performance in front of 3000 people, which was extremely stressful and nerve-wracking, especially that Lionel Messi was there among the audience! The other memorable event was in Taipei, in 2017, at a crossover show that combined diabolo, techno music, and rap. I added my favourite elements and delivered the performance in an unconventional way. This venue only hosts live singing concerts. I don’t think anyone has brought traditional performance on this stage before.

If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
Queen. What a classic legend! I listened to their songs when I was a kid. If I get to choose who to be on the line up with, it would have to be them!

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Dua Lipa. She’s so attractive! I bet any guy would want to spend time with her.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Armin Van Burren. He’s the reason I got into techno. I used to walk around with my Discman playing his album. That’s how I eventually started adopting techno music as a part of my diabolo performance.