Society

Armless Chinese pianist scales new heights

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-11-19 10:10

BEIJING - Armless Chinese pianist Liu Wei is set to take his unusual skill on a world tour, showing off to a global audience his dexterity with his toes.

Liu Wei, a 23-year-old Beijing native, plays piano on Sept 12 in the semifinal of China's Got Talent, a reality show hosted by Shanghai-based Dragon TV. [File Photo/China Daily]

Beijing-born Liu, who lost both arms aged 10 when he was electrocuted during a game of hide-and-seek, shot to domestic fame playing the piano with his toes on the popular television talent show "China's Got Talent".    

Related readings:  Armless pianist plays with toes  Liu Wei proves China's got talent  Toes tripping on the keys

The Chinese version of the show made its debut in May, with the semifinal ranking the top programme nationally by ratings.

Footage of his performances went viral on videosharing websites, turning him into a popular sensation overnight, similar to fellow contestants from the "Got Talent" franchise like Susan Boyle and Paul Potts.

Though he needs assistance in daily tasks such as eating and drinking, Liu was determined to train his toes to play the piano and started teaching himself the piano five years ago, often practising for seven hours each day.

"I feel that I'm not different from other people. I've lost my two arms, but I can still do the things I like. I suppose that this is what other people appreciated about me," he said.

Liu's itinerary will include Hong Kong, Paris, Vienna and Taipei.