Natalie Hsu’s exuberance is infectious. Her silver screen debut alone is a testament to her captivating sunny demeanour: in the Chinese coming-of-age movie The Day We Lit Up The Sky, she plays Xiao Huang, an optimistic dream chaser with an immeasurable passion for dance. Like her character, Hsu holds dancing dear to her heart. “I’ve been dancing since I was young, but I’ve never felt I had to fight to keep going. I’ve always just wanted to dance.” And in the shoes of Xiao Huang, she has danced her way into the world of film. Over the past year, the actress has kept herself busy filming multiple works with industry veterans such as Aaron Kwok, Nick Cheung and Fala Chen — and she’s only just turned 19. If Hsu’s journey to cinematic stardom is a dance, the music has just begun.
You shot with Leslie Zhang for the first time for your Vogue Hong Kong digital cover — how was it?
I didn’t see Leslie when I arrived, I only saw the humongous set and thought it was beautiful! While I was preparing for the shoot, I chatted with everyone in the dressing room and learnt that all of them had worked with Leslie for a long time. I thought that was impressive and really wanted to know what kind of person Leslie was. When I first entered the set, I didn’t know which person he was until he greeted me warmly and guided me over to the shoot. His efficiency left an impression on me — he knew exactly what he wanted to create and which photo he wanted to use. During the shoot, the fish in the fish tank came to peck on my hand when I dipped it in, it was really fun!
You attended Paris Fashion Week with Chanel. What was the most memorable moment?
I was a little afraid at first because I thought that the fitting process would be rigorous. I didn’t expect the relaxed atmosphere, with chocolates and espresso on the table — although it was already 4 pm in the afternoon, we were all suffering from jet lag, so we drank the coffee! It was a very casual and interesting experience.
I learnt a lot during our visit to Coco Chanel’s apartment. I still recall her sofa was brown because it reminded her of the beach when the waves washed out. I was surprised to discover furniture and artwork influenced by Asian culture in her apartment. She loved to entertain her friends and also collected objects that inspired her.
How does Chanel inspire you personally? How do you think Chanel resonates with the younger generation like you?
Coco Chanel is a disrupter with her own style. Chanel is also not just about its work but creating a lifestyle. Designs from Chanel are timelessly alluring and are suitable for people of all ages with a myriad of options. Take the Chanel 22 bag, for example, I own one in baby pink, my manager owns one in gold, and Amy owns the backpack iteration — its variety makes it suitable for different people and opens up more possibilities.
What is your must-have item from Chanel, and why?
I love Chanel sneakers as they are really comfortable and can be styled with all kinds of outfits. A Chanel choker is on my wish list!
You are known for your role in The Day We Lit Up The Sky, where you play a girl chasing after her dream of being a dancer. What about your character attracts you the most? Do you see part of yourself in the role?
As soon as I read the script, I was captivated by my character’s positivity and strength. Although Xiao Huang did not come from a well-off family and was bullied in school, she never gets angry or takes her misfortunes out on others. Instead, she grows stronger from her struggles. When good things come her way, she grasps every opportunity that has been presented to her. Like her, I love dancing, I can be quite stubborn, and I am proactive and optimistic. However, I’m not as independent as she is. Xiao Huang has taken care of herself since she was young, while I am comparatively more dependent on my family — I’m still a baby, haha!
You are a passionate dancer. When did you start dancing? How did dancing impact your life?
I started ballet when I was three years old and have learnt different styles of dance since then. Dancing has helped me develop a closer bond with my own body, which feels great. It has also helped me find my community, and I have made many of my close friends from dance. It is beneficial to my health and allows me to become stronger and more flexible. At the same time, dancing also helped me develop my sensitivity to music, train my brain through memorising movements and embrace a variety of emotions through different dance styles. I’ve been dancing since I was young, but I’ve never felt I had to fight to keep going. I’ve always just wanted to dance.
When did you realise you wanted to be an actress?
To be honest, there was no specific moment when I realised I wanted to be an actress. Since I was young, I’ve enjoyed acting classes, and I never thought I would actually become an actor back then. When the opportunity came, I felt very grateful because an acting career depends on being chosen by others. The Day We Lit Up The Sky was a very good “first” for me and encouraged me to continue on my acting journey.
We heard that you’ve filmed multiple movies in the past year. Was it challenging? Can you tell us more about these movies and the roles that you play?
Time management is challenging. Sometimes I would be busy for several days in a row, and other times I would suddenly be free. I am someone to does not like to slow down. I will always schedule something to fill up my free time, even when I desperately need sleep! I need to learn how to listen to my body and relax when I am exhausted. Every production team and cast for each movie was different. Some included new directors, and others featured industry veterans; some would allow plenty of time for preparation, while others don’t hand out the script until the filming day. I was lucky enough to play the daughter of many handsome men, haha!
You’ve been working with film industry veterans such as Nick Cheung and Aaron Kwok. Are there any behind-the-scenes stories or memorable moments you shared with them?
Nick Cheung is a very passionate director! He would watch the replay on repeat and immediately know what he wants to adjust. His feedback was often detailed — it would be things people wouldn’t notice, but it made a difference to him and influenced the dynamics between the characters. I still remember him running into the room after watching the replay and asking, “Can you look at him for an extra 0.03 seconds?” No one knew how long 0.03 seconds was, but it made a huge difference to him. He lives in his own world. While everybody was relaxing at the closing party, he was already thinking about editing the film. He even gave me candy on set.
When you activate the mics on set, they make a beeping noise. One day, I wanted to dance along to the noise, but I controlled myself and told myself to be more mature and professional. But when the crew member went over to Aaron Kwok to activate his mic, he danced along just the way I had wanted to. I was like, “Oh my god! I was going to do that!” and he replied, “Of course you were, I understand the millennial mindset!” We acted in such a childish manner, but it made every day so fun. I miss him already!
What are the things or people in life that constantly inspire you?
I am inspired by people who are different from me. Being with Amy [Lo] relaxes and energises me. I realised that we are very different. I get anxious quite easily and want everything planned. I think that Amy, on the other hand, is very spontaneous and does not worry too much about the future. I hope that I can be more like her and learn to enjoy the present.
Photography: Leslie Zhang
Fashion Direction & Executive Producer: Sean Kunjambu
Editorial Consultant: Adam Chen
Producer: Katherine Ho
Makeup Artist: Yooyo Keong Ming
Hair Stylist: Nate Peng
Manicurist: Pinky Ho
Set Designer: Ip Siu
Assistant Set Designer: Joan Leung
Production Assistant: Echo Yuan
Photography Assistants: Wu You & Liao Zining
Hair Stylist Assistant: Fan Tongjun
Fashion Assistant: Pianca Ngan
Retouching: Li Huiwan
Art Team: Kumi Tong, Caster So, Cat Wong, Naomi, Jonas Fong & Judy Poon
Cover Wardrobe: Chanel
Editor
Kaitlyn Lai and Cathy Huang
