4-Year-Old Michael Jackson Impersonator A 'Treasure' To Watch

BEIJING, Aug. 5, 2010 -- At 4 years of age, Wang Yiming already touts a resume that could rival those held by people 10 times his age. Better known by his stage name Xiao Bao or "Little Treasure," China's youngest Michael Jackson impersonator has wowed worldwide audiences at venues ranging from America's "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to Shanghai's World Expo.

Offstage, the pint-sized performer hones his skills six times a week inside a Beijing dance studio. During a recent practice, an instructor guided Xiao Bao through a new routine as hip-hop music blasted from the stereo. The 4-year-old popped, locked and stepped to the beat while his proud parents watched from the sidelines.

"He's a natural-born performer," mother Bian Aiqing said. "Xiao Bao's personality has always been very animated and outgoing. He likes showing off his talents and performing in public."

Ask Xiao Bao, and he will tell a similar tale.

"I've been dancing ever since I was in my mother's womb," he said.

Once the lesson ended, the transformation began. After a quick break, Xiao Bao was ready for his solo. Changing into a black fedora, crisp suit and patent leather shoes, one of Jackson's signature looks, he danced and lip-synced his way through a mix track of Michael's greatest hits, mimicking the King of Pop in moves and in attitude.

When asked to give his reason for imitating the pop legend, Xiao Bao gave a simple, frank answer: "Because I like Michael." Influenced by an older brother who often played Jackson's songs around the house, Xiao Bao became a fan at the age of three. His favorite songs include "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Smooth Criminal" and "Dangerous."

Although Xiao Bao traveled to Hong Kong to perform on the one-year anniversary of Jackson's death, he is unaware of the King of Pop's passing. His parents have chosen to keep the news from the 4-year-old until he is older. For now, they tell him that Jackson went to a faraway place.

"Michael's gone to visit his friends," Xiao Bao told ABC News.

A Star Pupil

Xiao Bao copied Jackson's dance moves and expressions through watching music videos and listening to his dance instructors, including none other than Timothy "Poppin' Pete" Solomon, the dance coach who helped Jackson perfect his moonwalk.

"[Pete] felt that Xiao Bao has a great feel for the music and is a little genius, so he gave him some private instruction. We're very proud that Xiao Bao's even received Michael's teacher's stamp of approval," Bian said.

Xiao Bao's teachers at the China King Dance Team also praised their star pupil. While most children need about a month's worth of practice to grasp a minute-long dance routine, Xiao Bao can pick up the same routine after five or six lessons.

"He is the most talented person from his age group," Xiao Bao's first dance coach, Li Chang, told ABC News. "Your average child might be able to learn a routine as quickly as Xiao Bao, but their ability to put emotion behind their dance steps would pale in comparison. Xiao Bao's capable of expressing a lot with his face, his eyes and his stage presence."

Though Xiao Bao had been dancing since he was two, he did not begin his formal training until last June. Bian credits dancing for keeping her son healthy and alive. Born extremely premature, Xiao Bao weighed just over two pounds at birth. Doctors told Bian that it would be a miracle if her son survived.

"The doctors suggested that we give him plenty of exercise," Bian said. "Our family often plays music around the house, and we also played music while I was pregnant with Xiao Bao. He enjoyed listening to music and danced whenever he got the chance, once he grew old enough to move around."

For now, the family spends about $3,000 a month on Xiao Bao's lessons and custom wardrobe. Though she currently home schools Xiao Bao, Bian plans to give her son a more normal schedule once he enters elementary school. She told ABC News that she will do whatever is best for Xiao Bao.

"If he grows up and has other interests, then we will continue to support him and help him pursue what he loves," Bian said.

Future Plans

And what are Xiao Bao's future ambitions?

"When I grow up, I want to be my mother's protector," he added.