Shanghai Tango

by Jin Xing

Jin Xing is a former prima ballerina, one of the brightest stars of the Shanghai Ballet. But her journey to international fame has been fraught with difficulty because Jin Xing was in fact born a man. From an early age she was intensely uncomfortable with her gender. Unable to understand or put words to her feelings, she immersed herself in ballet dancing, her first love. Aged 9, she joined the People's Liberation Army, where she received both dance and military training and attained the rank of colonel. The curtains opened on a new act in her life when, at the age of 19, she received a scholarship to study dance in New York. It was there that she discovered for the first time that it was possible to change sex. In an instant, what had been the province of dreams became a real opportunity. She took the courageous decision to return to China to face the authorities, quit the army, and confront the world with her decision to become a woman. As dramatic, graceful and deeply felt as a pas de deux, Shanghai Tango is a deeply personal and inspiring account of growing up in a body that feels alien and of braving pioneering surgery in communist China.

Genres: Nonfiction, China, Audiobook, Memoir, Asia, LGBT, Womens

Audible Audio

First published March 22, 2006

Reviews

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

My course changed when i became a woman.
it's a fast read. you can read this shit in like half a day. sadly i've been fucking busy because it's exams week and it took me a while to finish it.
i got it for 2€ and it was an interesting read.. a lot of people said it's like a boring Mao's Last Dancer. i didn't read that so i can't comment on it but i also tend not to compare shit so i don't really care.
i wanna talk about it more and comment on what it's lacking but it's 2am and i'm tired. there are probably some in depth reviews of it on Goodreads. am i making any sense? who cares... i'm giving it 5stars even tho it's like 4.2 for me and i didn't wanna go with 4. i think that people are being kinda harsh when rating it. come on. it's not an 1star book.

[Νικολέττα · Rating 4 out of 5]

" Στη ζωή μου, κάθε φορά που θέλησα κάτι πολύ, έγινε. Στον στρατό, το πεπρωμένο μου είχε ήδη διαγράφει. Αν δεν είχα φύγει, θα ήμουν ακόμη σολίστ του στρατιωτικού θιάσου. Όλοι μας έχουμε τη δυνατότητα να αλλάξουμε τρένο, να μεταπηδήσουμε σε ένα άλλο, με μία καλύτερη θέα. Η δική μου πορεία άλλαξε, όταν έγινα γυναίκα. Ήταν ένα πέρασμα δύσκολο, προδοτικό. "

Η δύναμη της θέλησης, ακόμη και σε χαλεπούς καιρούς, τα καταφέρνει. Αρκεί να το πιστεύεις μέσα σου.

[Phoenix2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book because I wanted to see how a chinese man who wants to become a woman feels and thinks. And Jin Xing holds nothing back. I liked that the story has many twists, and how he (now she) explained that he wasn't gay but a woman. The writing is okay, as it flows smoothly, though the back and forth is a little tiring. Overall, and easy read.

[Camy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Perhaps I was just lured by the artwork on the work - very attractive and it presented itself as worth reading? I was disappointed as I felt that this memoir glossed over so much. Never felt that emotions were truly explored and motivation for the sex-change were somehow not convincing enough. I also did not feel the passion for the art - the dance and the desire to become a woman seemed lacking. So difficult to put into words how I felt after I completed the book - I thought it would be memorable and thought-provoking but I just closed the book and looked for my next read - sorry!

[Lynxie · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you know the story of Mao's Last Dancer, then this story will seem rather boring. It is very similar in terms of the major plot points, but with a lot less detail and beauty in the written word.

I felt that the book does explore the emotional state of Jin Xing, but it barely scratches the surface of those emotions, which is quite a let down for the reader. It seems to gloss over a lot that happens in Jin's life at that time with little to no explanation of how Jin felt.

Each scene gave you but the briefest of glimpses of Jin's inner thoughts and feelings, I wanted so much more.

[Karen ⊰✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jin Xing joined the People's Liberation Army at age 9 as a dancer and went on to become one of China's most celebrated.
After years abroad, Xing then decided it was time to go home. Only he had decided that he wanted to be a woman.

There are obvious parallels with, the more famous, memoir by Li Cunxin. But there are large differences too. Jin Xing wanted desperately to join the army and whereas Cunxin defected from China, Xing willingly returned (and in fact lives there still today as a popular celebrity).

I found this a fascinating insight into the Chinese dancing culture, and although I'm sure many people are more interested in the transition from man to woman, this is not delved in too deeply. We do follow her though the painful operations, but the inner thoughts and feelings are not overly explored.

At it's heart this is a coming of age story and I really enjoyed it. Jin Xing comes across as a very hard woman who knows what she wants, and there's something slightly annoying and inspirational about her all at once. ;)

[Smitha Murthy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somehow, I felt like this memoir about a ballerina was half-done. Jin Xing has had a fascinating life, yet I felt like the treatment of that life was almost superficial and shallow. Being a ballet dancer in China’s Army is the stuff that makes dinner conversations. And then, changing your sex to become a woman? That is the stuff that probably doesn’t make dinner conversations, but can definitely make you think of the struggles people go through with their sexuality, acceptance, and the journey to find love. Yet, Jin Xing moves through all these almost flippantly. I wasn’t sure why she doesn’t offer more insights. I wanted to know more than just all the men that Jin Xing slept with.

There is hardly anything written after her transition to a woman - and that’s the part that as a reader, you would want to know more. So, while this is a unique memoir, it just fails to lift you up.

[Muphyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure why this isn't sitting quite right with me but perhaps just because it felt like a watered down version of Mao's Last Dancer with lots of sex and promiscuity thrown it.

There were times when I just rolled my eyes, eg after yet another one-night-stand they declare their undying love towards either each and then they never see each other again - yep, that really would be love. I get it that hormones are confusing, and that not knowing who you are and being confronted by your own confusing sexual desires makes you search for answers etc. but somehow there was something missing. She never seemed to question her constant affairs - and there were tons - it just seemed to be the normal thing to do. Maybe I'm a bit too narrow-minded but I just found it a bit odd and not honest enough.

I actually found the sex change and the operations he/she had to endure quite interesting, not something I've read about before but that was probably about it.

She does write about ballet and dancing but somehow it seems to get pushed to the side and her passion for dancing isn't really conveyed convincingly. In any case, it didn't really touch me and I like an awful lot of crappy ballet books! :)

Mao's Last Dancer was also much more fascinating in terms of Chinese history and politics; Shanghai Tango just didn't give me the same sense of oppression that I got from 'Mao's'. I guess it was more about her and her sex change set against the backdrop of Chinese history. (It was there just seemed a bit weak and glossed over compared to 'Mao's').

It was an ok read but not sure it's something I'd recommend. The cover though... beautiful! Probably the best thing about the book! ;)

[Andrea Myers · Rating 2 out of 5]

As far as biographies go this was a little less detailed than I would have liked. I do believe listening to this in audiobook form made it far more entertaining due to the brilliant narrator. At some points I honestly felt I was listening to someone rattle off their ‘To do’ list, bullet pointed resume and their grocery list as the emotional connections and internal dialogue was completely skimmed over. Given I’m not a dancer and not interested in dance in a deep personal way I did find many sections to be dull, dictations of the main characters dance schedule with little to no feeling behind it all. Towards the end the book it did get better, focusing more on Jin Xing’s sex change operations and all the complications during and after the surgery but having to slog through the boring laundry list of dance achievements to get there wouldn’t allow me to give this more than a low score. I would have gone for a single star had it not been for the exuberance of the narrator.

[The Bookshop Umina]

A very unique tale that doesn't always come across sympathetically. Our book club couldn't decide if it was cultural or a personality trait that made Jin seem so self absorbed.

The descriptions of the rise through the army ballet corps were really interesting but it was let down by seeming to be rushed in the second half of the book after the operation. We had many questions about this later life and most of them were quickly skipped over.

Book Club gave it 4/2/3/2/6/6/6/2/2/7
Hugely varied responses mostly arrayed over whether or not the vanity of the narrator allowed the reader to enjoy the story.

[Giulia Cavallari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful cover, misleading title, poorly written memoir. It is an interesting story of a man dancer grown up in the army in communist China, that changed sex and became a woman, after a journey into the West and a journey into the soul. A woman of will whose memoir has unluckily has been written like compiling a shopping list of events and achievements. At times it sounds like reading Wikipedia.. the journey into herself is mostly neglected, while a list of lovers are casually reported from time to time. Not much recommended.

[Toni · Rating 2 out of 5]

This should have been an interesting book, but finding the author of a personal memoir unlikable dampens one's interest. The book jumped around in such an inexplicable fashion that I checked to see if it was an abridged version. It wasn't.

[Shikha Malviya · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Li Cunxin, this memoir does not really reach the mark but it's intriguing story. The book needs good editing though.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a memoir of how China’s foremost male ballet dancer and colonel in people’s army in China for sex change operation. She then became the Shanghai Ballet’s Prima Ballerina.

Shanghai TangoBeing a sexologist, I was of course interested in reading about this person’s life story. Also I am somebody who really likes dance, and even though I haven’t had formal dance training, I do like free from dance movement. I was reminded immediately when I saw this book of another one called, Mao’s Last Dancer. It turned out that these two books were very similar in terms of the major plot points though Mao’s Last Dancer had a lot more detail. Though, this book was more simply written, it does explore the emotional state of Jinxing. Personally I prefer less details and to move more quickly along in a story. As a speed reader, I was able to finish this book in less than a day.

Jinxing’s journey to international fame was one of difficulty because she was born a man and from a young age she was already very uncomfortable with her gender. As a man, she was attracted to men and therefore a homosexual. When she transitioned she was then regarded to be in heterosexual relationships. At the end of the book, she doesn’t mention whether she found a partner, other than her adoption of three children.

This is a deeply felt, and inspiring account of growing up in the body that one feels unhappy in, being aliened and braving pioneering surgery in Communist China. One of the most heartbreaking chapters of the book was when she woke up to find that she couldn’t move her leg after surgery. Since Jinxing is a dancer, she was very worried about having severed her nerves and not being able to walk for the rest of her life. Through her perseverance, her neuroconnections were established, and she began to move her leg. Through rehabilitation, she was able to walk again and eventually dance.

I recommend this book for anyone interested in the topics of sex change, dancing, ballet, beauty, and also the backdrop of the story where communism was playing out in China.

[Jessica S · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main critism I found about this book before I read it is that it’s a little boring. I can see why. Jin Xing’s life is not a Hollywood movie. It’s about a girl who was born in a boy’s body yes, but other than that Jin is quite a normal person who has achieved extraordinary things.

It truly felt as though I was sat with a friend as they talked about their life. Jin’s tone is pleasant, fun and warm. The woman went after what she wanted and got it all. It was very interesting to me to read someone’s experience of being Chinese and transgender, and to go through Jin’s journey with her.

CNN wrote an article about Jin a few days before I read her memoir explaining that Transgender people in China are fearing a crackdown in LGBTQ rights after many of Jin Xing’s dance troup’s shows were cancelled by local authorities. To me, this makes me glad that this memoir exists. For all the Chinese transgender people who aren’t as lucky to have the freedoms and representation we have here in the west. She must be a true hero to those people. I think this makes it better how normal and humble she is.

[Miri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this story as an audiobook, and as such, it was entertaining.

It's quite a superficial look at Jin Xings life, but certainly an interesting story. I was disappointed that she really only touched on many of the occurances and decisions without discussing any of the emotional background.

It was lovely to read a story about transition where the parents were so supportive.

Additionally, I don't know whether the lack of queer awareness is a cultural aspect or just a personal one. Or whether it's because she transitioned in the 90s. But she speaks quite ill of women who don't 'properly transition' and how wrong she finds that - without any awareness of her own privilege at being able to afford so many surgeries so quickly. She also tells a lover of hers to stop lying to himself and maintains there is no way he can be bisexual, that he is gay. Despite several of her lovers previously having been heterosexual men who 'saw her as a woman'. Which is upsetting to read. But, I know, not an uncommon opinion.

But never the less, it was an enjoyable story.

[Haina Yang · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring account of Jin Xing's personal story and how it feels to be trapped in an uncomfortable body. She describes her decision to receive surgery during a time where transgenders are frowned upon. I found this a fascinating insight into the Chinese dancing culture, but I wish we got to explore more of her inner thoughts as she proceeded with her surgery.

[zespri · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read, the cover and subject matter pulled me in.

Jin Xing started life as a boy, but realized at a very young age that he was a female, so this memoir is the story of his transition.

Fascinating that he was also one of China's foremost dancers, this was added interest to his memoir.

[Candice · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very interesting life story but the writing style is very dry and matter of fact. The potential for a beautifully woven story is there, but the execution isn't.
Nevertheless, it makes an interesting and quick read.

[Stefennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about a confused young boy that entered a military academy to be a dancer in China. He was very good and won a scholarship to the US where he learned there was a whole other scene where he could be himself.

[Shamini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shanghai Tango - Jin Xing, is a story of a boy who encounters his inner side of feminism since his childhood. He tries to discover as much of his talent of dancing and about himself. He join the military and went overseas to explore the world and his desire.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an interesting book, but I felt she spent too much detail on unimportant things and I had a lot of questions about bigger things. It was annoying that every successive lover / boyfriend was so perfect and the one true love.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

with how much more transgender rights are discussed these days, it was interesting and refreshing to hear about an experience before the topic of transgender people was so politicised. just goes to show what could be if transphobic people chilled out.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite interesting story about Jin Xing, who is the first transgender in China. As we both came from the same city in China, the book brought some of my childhood memory.

[Kaizhi Liu · Rating 3 out of 5]

1.六小龄童是gay。

2.现代性就是向下半身下沉。

3.随性

[Andrea Irvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read that is interesting primarily because of Jin Xing very unusual and quite charmed life. The book skips around in time and some parts are not told in much detail, like his social transition or his life as a female dancer. Another perspective the lives of transpeople.

[Bryoni Hartridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliantly written, so interesting about a hugely important topic in a culture where this would never be made easy. A great read!

[Daisy Gould · Rating 2 out of 5]

This memoir provided some fascinating insights into the views on sexuality and gender identity in China - the level of acceptance people had for Jin Xing's transition was quite refreshing (though of course, there was, and is, still a long way to go).

While this was an interesting account overall, I can't help but think some of the views expressed in the book are veering into transmedicalism. Jin Xing clearly has an issue with trans women who haven't/can't/don't wish to undergo the full extent of surgeries that she did, and I got the sense that they were therefore lesser in her eyes. Her views on this might have changed since this book's release, but this made for an uncomfortable reading experience at times.

[Cathie Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jin Xing holds nothing back in this story of her amazing life. Telling a fascinsting story of how one poor chinese boy became a Prima Ballerina for the Chinese Peoples Army, an international superstar and master of modern dance and then eventually a mother, a wife and one of the only famous Chinese transgender celebrities.

It is a revolutionary tale of being true to yourself at all costs and escaping the societal norms and boundaries of a strict country who tries to strip you of your identity. It is also an exploration of love, sex and wealth that keeps the biography entertaining, leaving you fascinated and craving more information into the secret life of Jin Xing in her days abroad.

I have read a lot of negative reviews about this book but as someone who loves biographies, dance and the life of dancers this fast paced book was a highly enjoyable and interesting read for me.

I would reccomend this if you enjoyed Maos Last Dancer or if you were dissapointed by The Trauma Cleaner and want to read more about strong transgender personalities in our society.

[Leabiloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://www.africanwanderlust.com/2011...

This was a quick read in between the flurry of activity typical of this time of the year. Wishing I had an e-reader given all the books I want to read this Summer...Shanghai Tango is the memoir of a prima ballerina; Jin Xing who danced for the Shanghai Ballet and other prestigious Ballet Companies both in the US and Europe. It is a story told from a very detached voice about a young boy, who is recruited into the People's Liberation Army Dance Corps as a soldier and a dancer at the age of nine.

This celebrated, internationally-acclaimed dancer went on to become the first person in China to undergo a full sex-change operation. The narrative is factual even though the subject matter is potentially tragic. It tells of the emotional challenges the writer experiences as both a young man in the Chinese Ballet Corps, not yet fully aware of how different he is from his fellow dancers; to his transformation into a female ballerina and mother. It is retold very objectively, almost too much so, as it skims over the real emotions about her post operation experience and fails to sufficiently delve into what life was like away from the glamour of the stage for her.

There is an innocence to Jin Xing in his early years that is the result of being shielded from the harsher realities of being transgender; either because he is was the Army's brightest star or because he himself did not fully understand what he was. Only in his twenties does he fully comprehend that his attraction to men is not because he is gay, but because he is a woman. Shanghai Tango is the first book I have read that deals sufficiently with the disambiguation around the term transgender. It is a good read if you have ever been curious about the topic. It follows closely on a recent Book Club read; Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, historical fiction that deals with gender and identity.

The more sinister side of China's Ballet Corps is revealed in Shanghai Tango, in a non-judgemental manner by the writer. For all its faults - the stymied creativity and propaganda agenda- he credits his ballet technique, which opened up doors to his international career, to the rigorous training the People's Liberation Army Corps put him through.