Meet Patricia Zhou, the London-based professional dancer and choreographer whose distinguished career has taken her, her ballet shoes, and her rare Hermès around the world.
Patricia Zhou, Harold Pinter Theatre, 2023
Photographer: Emil Levy
Meet Patricia Zhou, the London-based professional dancer and choreographer whose distinguished career has taken her, her ballet shoes, and her rare Hermès around the world, including the renowned Staatsballet-Berlin and Benjamin Millepied’s L.A. Dance Project. Defying industry standards, Zhou started pursuing her career at the ‘late age’ of thirteen, then joined the Royal Ballet a mere few years later. Now, as an independent dancer, her masterful choreography and diverse talent allow her to work across a range of mediums, from directing dance films to starring in the jazz adaptation of The Nutcracker. Unsurprisingly, her sophisticated and elegant prowess on stage has extended to her wardrobe, where she treasures vintage finds and the importance of wearing your pieces.
I have always taken the work seriously but have never taken myself too seriously. I never expected the trajectory or the success I have had in my career… which may be one of the positives of starting later; I wasn’t like the other dancers who had ‘dream companies’ from the age of eight. In that vein, I think every step has been a surprise, but it’s also allowed me to truly seek what makes me happy and has given me the freedom to leave a situation or job if I know it's not right for me.
While I was in school I competed in international ballet competitions where I was lucky as my mum would always encourage me to do my personal best, and not worry about the result. I think that always took the pressure off because I wasn’t competing with anyone else. I was there to be my own best version of myself, and I found that to be advice that I still stick to to this day.
My Gustaf Westman Chunky Cup, in pink. I make a filter coffee every morning, first thing. It’s a rare constant in my routine and truly centres me. Drinking it out of my favourite mug is the best way to start the day.
"I have always taken the work seriously but have never taken myself too seriously. I never expected the trajectory or the success I have had in my career… which may be one of the positives of starting later."
My most treasured find is my long, draped, Talbot Runhof dress that I got secondhand. I haven’t had the chance to wear it out yet, but it is one of those dresses that makes you feel amazing when you put it on. I wasn’t searching for it when I found it, but as soon as I saw it I knew I needed it.
Not to be too precious! Pieces are meant to be used, worn, and lived in/with.
It is one of the oldest pieces that I still own! It’s funny as it is not something I would ever really buy for myself, but throughout the years I have found it to be quite a good staple in my collection!
"Pieces are meant to be used, worn, and lived in/with."
I now feel most at home in London. I have a great community of friends and collaborators here, and I love the feel of the city; there’s nowhere else quite like it.
London: Rambutan—the Sri Lankan restaurant blows me away every time
Berlin: The Barn Roastery—the coffee shop that is responsible for my love of coffee
Los Angeles: Sushi Tama—Sushi chef from Tsukiji Fish Market: incredible fish at an affordable price
Paris: Iregular—vintage store, haven’t lived here but I’m obsessed with this shop I would travel just to shop here
"I now feel most at home in London. I have a great community of friends and collaborators here, and I love the feel of the city; there’s nowhere else quite like it."
Time.
