Upon graduation, he made up his mind to become a professional dancer. Xirli Abudukirm currently works in a private dance studio with scores of other instructors in Urumqi. For him, it is a place where people of different ethnic groups work together for a common dream.

Every week, he sharpens his dance skills by comparing notes with his colleagues in a routinely held training session. He thinks his job provides him with a platform where he is able to enhance his competitiveness and work to become a top hip-pop dancer in Xinjiang and beyond.

These days, as a leading instructor in the studio, he earns a monthly income of 10,000 yuan (about $1,545).

"I have an awesome team, work in a promising industry, and I love dancing," he said. "I am so lucky to be able to chase my dream."