Meet Yu Yi: Welcoming a New Member to the Chrisanne Clover Sponsor Family
We are delighted to welcome professional ballroom dancer Yu Yi to the Chrisanne Clover sponsor family. Following her stunning appearance in Chrisanne Clover couture at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival Team Match, we caught up with Yy Yi to learn more about her dance journey, inspirations, and future ambitions.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and your dance journey so far? What first drew you to ballroom dancing?
I'm Yu Yi. I started dancing when I was eight years old and have progressed from the Under-12 category all the way to the professional floor.
What first drew me into ballroom dancing was the magic of it all: the beautiful gowns, the elegant heels and the glamour of competition. But over time, through years of training and competing, dance became more than something I did. It became part of who I am, and that's what has kept me committed throughout my journey.
What do you feel sets you apart from other dancers on the floor?
Many dancers focus on creating perfect shapes and lines. While those things are important, what matters most to us is what lies beneath them: the feeling, texture and emotion of the dance.
We don't want the audience to simply watch a sequence of steps. We want them to see something alive, something that breathes. That has always been our guiding principle.
What is something you've learned from top coaches or overseas training that has had the biggest impact on your dancing?
Training internationally taught me that technique is only the beginning. The true essence of ballroom dance lies in flow and breathing together as a partnership.
I learned to genuinely listen to my partner. Partner dancing is not about one person leading and the other following. It's a conversation, with both dancers constantly sensing and responding to each other. Once I understood that, it transformed the way I dance.
At such a high competitive level, what helps you stay focused and composed on the floor?
Before stepping onto the floor, I take a moment to let go of everything: rankings, expectations and any pressure I may be feeling.
Then I focus on one thing only: my partner and our connection. I remind myself to be present in the dance rather than chasing a result. Once I am fully immersed in that connection, there is simply no room left for nerves.
We were delighted to see you in our wine ballroom dress at this year's Blackpool Dance Festival. How did it feel stepping onto the floor for the Team Match for the first time? Which dance felt the most special to you, and why?
With Blackpool celebrating its 100th anniversary, being on that floor felt even more significant than usual.
It was our first Team Match, dancing alongside some of the best couples in the world. The atmosphere was unlike anything else: exciting, nerve-racking and incredibly inspiring, all at the same time.
My Chrisanne Clover wine ballroom dress also played an important role. It was such a departure from anything I had worn before, yet it suited me better than I expected and gave me a real boost in confidence. For that, I owe Chrisanne Clover a huge thank you.
Of all five dances, the Foxtrot was the most meaningful. I danced it in honour of Andrew Sinkinson, one of the most influential teachers in our journey, whom we sadly lost in January. I like to think he was watching over us.
You've worn a variety of Chrisanne Clover fabrics throughout your career. What draws you to our materials, and do you have a favourite dress you've created using them?
The drape, stretch and sheen of Chrisanne Clover fabrics are exceptional. To me, they are among the finest dance fabrics in the world. Under competition lights, they create a look that is both luxurious and refined.
I've worn Chrisanne Clover throughout much of my career, and Shaded Satin Chiffon is a fabric I return to time and time again. However, if I had to choose one favourite dress, it would be the sequined gown I wore when I won the British Blackpool Professional Rising Star title in May 2024. The way it reflected the light gave me a whole new level of confidence on the floor.
What do you hope audiences feel when they watch you dance?
I hope people can look beyond the technique and choreography to see the connection between two people: the trust, support and understanding that exists within the partnership.
Most of all, I want them to feel the emotion beneath the movement and be swept away by the elegance, romance and flow that ballroom dancing delivers so beautifully.
What goals are you currently working towards in your career?
Competitively, I want to continue progressing and challenge myself on larger international stages.
Alongside competing, I'm also passionate about giving back to the dance community. I hope to share my experience with the next generation of dancers in China and help further develop the ballroom scene there. In many ways, I'm pursuing two paths at once: continuing my competitive career while growing as a teacher and mentor.
What advice would you give to young dancers aiming to reach a professional level?
This journey is long and often challenging, so you need to genuinely love the craft, not just the idea of success.
Build a strong foundation before chasing complex or flashy movements. If you dance with a partner, learn to communicate openly and be patient with one another. Those qualities are more valuable than many people realise.
Most importantly, view every competition and every training session as an opportunity to learn. Stay committed, keep showing up and trust the process. Growth will follow.