Dancing twins at UM: Life is not about ‘copy and paste’

You may have come across the twins Cheong Hio Iao (Yoyo) and Cheong Hio I (Chloe) on the campus of the University of Macau (UM). When they perform in classical Chinese dance costumes on stage in their residential college, their synchronised and gentle movements, as delicate as fluttering petals, mirror each other perfectly, creating a captivating display of unity that makes it nearly impossible to tell them apart. Off stage, however, when they dress in casual clothes and walk on campus together, their resemblance is not as noticeable. The twins humorously note that it was only after starting their studies at UM that they began to look alike yet paradoxically also became more distinct. As they anticipate graduation next year and prepare to embark on separate paths, they face a future where they will be even further apart.

Two flowers ready to blossom

As the twins gracefully move, the early autumn sunlight catches their fluttering dresses, casting a radiant glow that makes Yoyo and Chloe appear like two identical flowers basking in the warmth of the sun.

This beautiful scene was part of a photoshoot in the Shiu Pong College dance studio for this My UM article. Having recently returned from exchange programmes abroad, where they dedicated their time to studies, the twins had not practiced dance for an entire semester. However, they slipped into dance mode with remarkable ease and posed effortlessly during the photoshoot. Their movements were graceful and light, evoking the image of clouds gliding through the sky. Each gesture captured the delicate beauty and rhythmic grace of classical Chinese dance.

It is likely that you have already seen the twins. Perhaps it was during a dance performance at one of UM’s residential colleges, a dance workshop they organised, or events such as the International Youth Dance Festival, the China International Youth Arts Festival, the China Xinjiang International Dance Festival, or open days at the Macao Government Headquarters and the Macao Legislative Assembly. Wherever it was, you were probably among an audience appreciating the beauty of their classical Chinese dance performances.

In the eyes of their teachers and peers, both Yoyo and Chloe are known for their commendable personalities and strong motivation. They joined the UM Dance Troupe to pursue their passion. They consistently strive for academic excellence. As senior students, they provide support and guidance for younger students in their residential college. Their hard work has also secured them places in the UM Honours College, highlighting their determination to become future leaders.

As they prepare to graduate next year, the twins look forward to ending their UM journeys with the same brightness and vibrancy as blooming sunflowers. Reflecting on their time at UM, both Yoyo and Chloe agree that time at university really flies. However, they stress that their time was well spent. The sisters have worked diligently over the past few years and taken full advantage of the resources provided by UM to build a solid foundation for their future possibilities.

Looking alike yet distinct

If you look at the twins’ photos from secondary school, it is easy to notice that they no longer look as similar as they once did. This change seemingly began after they started their studies at UM.

When discussing their resemblance, the twins reminisce about an amusing incident during their admission interviews at UM. On that day, the older sister Yoyo entered the interview room first. It was only after some time when it was the younger sister’s turn. When the examiner saw Chloe, he immediately asked, ‘Didn’t you just finish your interview? Why are you back?’ This memory remains vivid, and one of the sisters remarks playfully, ‘Well, it seems we really looked very much alike back then.’

Before their studies at UM, the twins were inseparable, spending every waking moment together. However, their lifestyle changed significantly after they entered university. First, they major in different disciplines. Yoyo majors in business administration with a specialisation in financial controllership, where she focuses on mastering accounting practices and deepening her understanding of corporate structures and business environments. On the other hand, Chloe studies public administration, dedicating her time to understanding policy formulation and evaluation, as well as the theories, history, and practical challenges of the discipline.

Furthermore, during their third year, the twins participated in exchange programmes through the Honours College, spending half a year abroad separately. Yoyo went to the University of Malaya in Malaysia, while Chloe studied at Queen Mary University of London in the UK. When sharing their experiences, the twins recount very different stories. Yoyo, who is more sociable and outgoing, made many new friends in Malaysia and enjoyed performing Indian dances with them. In contrast, the more reserved Chloe cherished her time traveling alone in the UK and neighbouring countries.

Three years have passed since they started their studies at UM, and the twins now seem to bear little resemblance.

The winding path

Growing up, Yoyo and Chloe were independent and clear about what they wanted. During their primary school years, the girls developed a passion for Chinese martial arts, spending every day practicing with swords and spears. Eventually, each became proficient in three different weapons. As they were about to enter secondary school, their interests shifted to classical Chinese dance. As a result, they gave up martial arts to pursue dancing. This change also inspired them to apply to the School of Dance at the Macao Conservatory. Fortunately, their parents supported this transition. The sisters took responsibility for their decision and remained committed to dance practice while also prioritising their studies.

As the time to apply to university approached, their parents thought that Yoyo and Chloe would apply for dance or art programmes. However, the twins broke the mould and decided to take different paths and explore other possibilities. They believed that UM could provide them with fresh opportunities outside of dance and different avenues to realise their dreams. Although Yoyo and Chloe continued dance practice after entering UM and even obtained the Level 3 Teacher Qualification Certificate in Chinese Dance from Beijing Dance Academy during their first year, their university journeys have been transformative. The sisters have discovered new aspects of themselves and expanded their international perspectives. Time has flown, and they have no regrets about taking a path less expected.

It is easy to follow a straight path, but doing so often avoids a challenge. As conveyed by American poet Robert Frost’s poem The Road Not Taken, when faced with a fork in the road, most travellers will choose the path that offers a clear direction rather than the one that is less travelled and more challenging. Like the poet, Yoyo and Chloe were brave enough to choose the winding path, which has allowed them to experience the unique scenery along the way.

The triumph of resilience

The intensive and rigorous dance training at the Macao Conservatory honed both sisters’ strong dance skills. While their focus on dance might have put them at a disadvantage in the subjects of Chinese, English, and mathematics, they defied expectations by earning the Lotus Awards from the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR and gaining admission to UM. This enduring commitment to dance has cultivated their resilience, giving them not only remarkable physical flexibility but also incredible mental strength. 

During their secondary school years, Yoyo and Chloe routinely woke up early and worked late into the night. While most of their classmates went home at 7:00pm after school, the sisters would stay behind to continue their dance practice. They explain that they would be scolded the next day if they did not practice well or forgot the steps.

The twins were so hardworking during their secondary school years that sometimes their parents would urge them to quit because they could not bear to see the sisters’ struggles. However, whenever faced with challenges, Yoyo and Chloe would persevere, get a good night’s sleep, and wake up reenergised the next day. This resilience has been useful at UM as the sisters make the most of every opportunity. Shortly after entering UM, they planned to go on an overseas exchange in their third year. To prepare, the sisters each took eight courses—four more than usual—during one semester of the second year. Moreover, they dedicated their extracurricular time to learning research skills from professors. Their hard work has also led to other achievements. Both Yoyo and Chloe are student leaders of the English Table at their residential college. Yoyo has achieved the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification by passing all of the exams. Meanwhile, Chloe has become a lecturer in the RCAT (residential college academic tutorial) programme in the residential college, where she teaches R language.

One might assume that the sisters, who teach English to younger students at their residential college, have always excelled in the language. Surprisingly, this was not the case. Chloe admits that it took them considerable effort to become English instructors. ‘When we first entered UM, our English was just average. We even had to take the elementary English course EELC1011 at the UM English Language Centre,’ she reveals. To adapt to UM’s English-speaking environment and secure exchange opportunities, Yoyo and Chloe worked extraordinarily hard to improve their English skills. Whenever they had the chance, they listened to English podcasts on their phones, memorised vocabulary, and participated in the English Table activities at the residential college. When the sisters were tired, they would watch American TV series to relax and enhance their language skills.

Chloe says, ‘Time is precious, and we are clear about our goals. Even with our busy schedules, we still manage to find time to take a break.’

Navigating separate journeys while supporting each other

Most people believe that twins always stick together and do everything as a pair. However, this is not the case for Yoyo and Chloe. After entering UM, the sisters embarked on different paths. They went to exchange programmes in separate countries and interned at different companies during the summer. Although the sisters were apart for eight months, this separation did not weaken their emotional bond; instead, it allowed them to become more mature. Now, they each have a wealth of diverse experiences to share.

These years at UM not only have helped Yoyo and Chloe develop a deeper understanding of themselves, but also provided them with clearer visions for their future paths. As they move forward on their individual journeys, they remain committed to supporting each other, even if their routes diverge. This shared understanding ensures they maintain a strong bond as they navigate their futures.

As Yoyo and Chloe stress, life is not as simple as ‘copy and paste’ on a computer. Even though they both study at UM, they have met different people and had different experiences. Everyone is the master of their own life, and twins are no exception.