Her ability to adapt to the rigors of Qinqiang also draws on her dance background. The 26-year-old actress began learning dance at 4, attended the Affiliated Secondary School of Beijing Dance Academy at 11, and was admitted to the academy's folk dance department at 16.
More than a decade of practice gave her a keen sense of rhythm and body control: skills that proved invaluable when learning opera.
"Over 10 years of dance training gave my body a sense of rhythm, and that rhythmic beauty is a form of artistic beauty too. On camera, I can adjust it according to emotional shifts. I believe body language is a vital part of acting. When it merges with facial expression and inner emotion, the performance no longer feels flat — it enriches the character," Liu says.
At one point, the intensity peaked. Liu watched more than 40 opera footage recordings in a row for study purposes, bringing her emotions to the brink of exhaustion. But she also kept a steady habit: carrying a notebook to record everything she learned and reflected on.
"Whether I'm reading the script or the original novel, I write down my understanding of the character's journey and my thoughts about the role. That helps me deepen my impression, better grasp the character, and later, after filming, review what I've accomplished and what I could improve," she adds.
"The stage presence of Qinqiang characters is often beautiful and rich in classical charm. Each role requires the performer to experience delicate, profound emotions before unleashing a powerful, life-stirring resonance," Liu says, explaining her connection to the 600-year-old art form.
Reflecting on her portrayal of figures ranging from Mu Guiying, a Song Dynasty (960-1279) general, to Yang Paifeng, a servant-turned-warrior, Liu says that during the six months of shooting, she became increasingly immersed in her role and increasingly captivated by the allure of Qinqiang.
Now, the young actress says she hopes the drama's popularity will inspire more young people to learn about Qinqiang, an art deeply rooted in the land and its people, and encourage them to visit theaters and experience its charm firsthand.
