"In western countries, there are independent arts foundations to finance promising artists without any commercial interference; in China, dance is here to serve the country, but I want to express myself," said Yan.

Outgoing and professional, Yan established a liaison with the NCPA, considered the nation's top theatre, in 2012 with the assistance of her friends.

"They allowed my show in there, but I had to pay the site fees myself," said Yan.

To her surprise, the presentation earned her approval from both industry tastemakers and the public after its premiere in June 2012, the latter in particular – yet all the income was offset by its running cost.

Though it could be called a success, it became clear to Yan that if she was to continue, she would need some formal financing.

Yan picks up paid work at festivals, as a guest performer, and as a choreographer in order to subsidize her own productions.

Yan had studied and worked within the dance system for more than 10 years, though it did not always seem like a system one could work within. Yan first became interested in dance out of adolescent rebellion. Born into a military family in the Ningde city of southeast China's Fujian province in 1981, Yan always dreamed escaping from home. After attending a dance audition from Xiamen Drama and Dance School — the predecessor of Xiamen Art School located in Xiamen city in Fujian — with little more than courage to boost the hopes of an untrained dance novice - she was accepted.

Despite her lack of experience in the basics and mockery from teachers due to her less-than-beautiful appearance, Yan graduated with the highest honors in 1999.

In 2004, Yan completed her four-year studies at Beijing Dance Academy with a Bachelor's degree in folk dance after finishing her thesis on the inheritance and development of traditions.

Yan believes she holds traditional views of life - it's not just something in her academic work. "I don't know big brands or care about houses but I am interested in copying Buddhist scriptures or reading Laozi (classic Chinese philosophical writing) in my spare time."

After her graduation in 2004, Yan was admitted to the leading China Oriental Performing Arts Group and soon became its leading actress.

In 2005, she was handpicked by Yang Liping, the icon of China's folk dances to role-play Yang in the Dynamic Yunnan, a highly sought-after show, starring Yang.

Two years' worth of imitating Yang's style — with Yang as her mentor — made the audience believe Yan was Yang, but it was never Yan's aspiration to be anything but herself.

In 2007, she left the company and decided to produce works for herself.

Yan has earned 40 percent of the ticket revenue after being invited by the NCPA to stage Whispering of Water this year; moreover, other opportunities to appear on the stage are opening up for her.

Though times have been tough, the future is looking bright for Yan, who says she is going to "stick with it," no matter what.

Contact the writer at donglin@chinadaily.com.cn