Celebrating & Embodying Authenticity - Jeffrey Liang
- therutsstudio
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
You might hear Jeffrey before you see him.
But if you’re trying to find him, look for the effervescent pink hair that matches his lively personality.
If you’ve taken a class from Jeffrey, you may think he invented the art of exuding confidence in heels. Spoiler alert: he didn’t, but he has mastered it. Though he’ll most likely call it “gay delusion”.
“I would just take heels into jazz funk classes — going way too full out in a combo that was not meant for heels. No technique, just bravery,” he says as he describes how he first began dancing in heels years ago.
After moving from the Bay Area to Los Angeles, joining dance teams, NSU Modern and Team Millennia, while studying at UCLA, and immersing himself into the L.A. dance scene, Jeffrey befriended the Kim sisters. He’s been working with them since 2019 when Rūts was known as Urban LA; and as one of Rūts’ longest ongoing teachers, Jeffrey has a loyal following of dancers that have taken his classes for years.
Whether you’re a long-time student or newcomer, Jeffrey always comes to class greeting his students with energetic hello’s and an enthusiastic spirit. Knowing that a lot of classes in Los Angeles can be high pressure and content driven, Jeffrey’s goal when teaching is to create an environment that’s beneficial for anyone and everyone — whether or not you get a video out of it.
“Yes, the video is important to view your progress and to show yourself off! And at the same time, there’s SO much [more] you can get out of dance.”
He opens his heart to the dance community by creating a safe space for people to find themselves, just as he feels dance has done for him.
Jeffrey has used heels as a gateway to celebrate his femininity and authenticity, and says that especially as a queer person, this expression has been so important to his personal growth. He says that dance has “always been a canvas of self exploration”.
“I think feminine movement and embracing your body and sensuality provides healing for anyone, regardless of your gender or background. In today’s society where sexuality is villanized, where femininity is looked down upon and misogyny is built into every step of our society — that affects every single person. To be able to embody femininity is radical. Everyone can gain something from that, even if it’s just, ‘oh, I can feel more free to be myself’.”
He uses this freedom of self expression in his dancing, as well as his teaching. Having taught for over a decade now, one of the biggest lessons he’s learned is that the most important part about creating is creating in and of itself.
“You shouldn’t pressure yourself so everything you create is your next best thing! If it’s meaningful to you, it IS good. Even if it's not your favorite, it will end up being someone’s favorite combo of yours.”
Jeffrey’s love for teaching and connecting with students shines in his classes. He says he feels most himself when teaching because he gets to create a supportive environment for people to feel good about themselves. He also doesn’t shy away from raving about the studio he’s been teaching at for so long.
“I love teaching at Rūts because I love the community here. I love being part of the family.”
Rūts offers that close-knit feel that fuels creativity, connection, and personal growth.
Interested in joining the dance family?
Jeffrey says, “Come take my classes! If you want to feel your inner slay, if you want to be able to feel freer to express who you are and embody sensuality — take my class!”
What’s on the come up?
More choreography projects! Having choreographed for a K-pop idol and more, Jeffrey says he wants to push himself to dabble outside of heels more often and expand his movement.
Where can you find Eri?
Don’t miss his regular class at Rūts Dance Studio on Thursdays 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Check out his drag persona, Miss Shu Mai! Jeffrey hosts L.A. 's longest running queer and trans Asian drag show, and is heavily involved in creating spaces that center Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) drag talent.
Find him on IG: @jeffreyljr @missshumai
Interviewed and Written By:
Lexi Novak -Rūts Dance Studio
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