Yikun’s artistic roots are deeply embedded in the cultural tapestry of Xi’an, China, where her journey began. From an early age, she was drawn to a broad spectrum of artistic expressions, including traditional and Latin dances, singing, and mastering instruments like the Erhu, piano, and Guzheng. It was at 17, amidst the vibrant world of street dance, that Yikun found her true calling. This discovery marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to dance, where she has since flourished as a dancer, choreographer, and passionate practitioner.

Parallel to her artistic pursuits, Yikun has demonstrated a strong acumen in academics and professional fields. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Finance from the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics. Her journey continued at Carnegie Mellon University, where she pursued Arts and Entertainment Management, merging her artistic passions with strategic management skills.

Yikun’s engagement with the Shanghai art scene has been both deep and broad. She interned at notable places like Gene Gallery and contributed significantly to the West Bund Art and Design 2021. Her role as a curation assistant for Pangfei’s solo exhibition at the Suzhou National Art Museum further exemplifies her versatile talents. Beyond the arts, Yikun gained corporate experience through internships in HR at VERSACE and finance at GAC Baiyun Automobile Group, showcasing her ability to navigate diverse professional environments.

A pivotal aspect of Yikun’s artistic journey is her active involvement in the dance community, particularly her leadership and participation as a dance director in the Asia University Dance Competition (AUDC). Her expertise spans multiple dance genres, including hip-hop, popping, and jazz funk. Leading a dance crew of 22, Yikun has not only showcased her choreographic talents but also her ability to inspire and manage large teams. As the Executive Director of a school dance crew comprising around 120 members, she successfully orchestrated over 20 performances, engaging an audience of more than 2,000 people and highlighting her exceptional organizational and leadership skills.

Yikun’s passion extends beyond performance and professional achievements to making art accessible and meaningful. Her volunteer work at the Songjiang Special Education School, where she introduced art as a form of expression and communication to children, underscores her belief in the transformative power of art.

In the vibrant corridors of Carnegie Mellon University, Yikun found a new arena to expand her horizons, notably through her significant contributions to the Carnegie Mellon International Film Festival (CMU IFF). As Vice President & Finance, she masterfully managed a substantial budget, enhancing the festival’s reach and impact. Her tenure as a Marketing & Communication Intern prior to this role saw her forging key partnerships and elevating the festival’s profile, underscoring her adeptness in both strategic planning and execution.

Project Highlights: A Spectrum of Innovation

• As Finance Manager, she navigated the complexities of budgeting and financial management for a study on the Cleveland Institute of Art, showcasing her analytical prowess.
• In her role as Business Manager, she orchestrated the logistics for Tribal Seeds’ live music tour, demonstrating her capacity for comprehensive planning and execution.
• As a Scrum Master, she led the development of a solution-oriented application for women’s sleep issues, highlighting her innovative approach and leadership in technology-driven projects.
• Her work as a Research Assistant on the market demand for Chinese traditional painting revealed her deep appreciation for cultural heritage and her ability to identify emerging market trends.