The Taoli World Dance 2024-2025 Grand Finals lit up the Irvine Barclay Theatre from July 5–7.
South Coast Chinese Cultural Center (SCCCC) was awarded “Best School of the Year” and the prestigious “Taoli Garden Award.”
SCCCC’s affiliated teams—Chinese Dance Company of Southern California and D@S Dance Program—swept multiple first-place and special jury awards, emerging as one of the event’s biggest winners.
Hosted by PACDA, this year’s finals brought together hundreds of dancers ages 5 to 60+ from across the U.S. and Canada, following regional rounds in New York, Vancouver, and online.
The competition featured children, youth, and adult divisions, showcasing a wide range of styles including Chinese ethnic, classical, contemporary, ballet, and modern dance.
This year’s Taoli Cup introduced a new “teacher jury” system, with 18 veteran educators from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. offering artistic and educational feedback to enhance fairness and deepen learning.
《Moonlight of the Yi》
At the finals, SCCCC delivered standout results. D@S Dance Base, led by Cheryl Yang, earned a Platinum for “Moonlight of the Yi" and Gold for "Enchanting Ripples".
《Spring Play》
Under Nicole Li, the youth team won Platinum for “Spring Play”, Gold for “Majestic Cranes” and “An Ode to Water”—with “Majestic Cranes” taking First in Category. “Enchanting Fox" received a Top 10 Platinum Award.
《An Ode to Water》
Led by Snow, the teen team shined with Platinum awards for “Moonlit Leaves” and "Rising Scale”. “Scarlet Phoenix Sunward”, “Dolan Meshrep”, and “Women Warriors” earned Top 10 Platinum, First in Category, and Special Jury Awards.
《Enchanting Fox》
Several outstanding dancers from SCCCC, recognized for their long-term excellence at the Taoli Cup, received the competition’s highest individual honors.
《Moonlit Leaves》
Awardees included Alina Gu, Amber Zheng, Wen Fei Ma, Annie Xiao, and Katelyn Hu.
《Rising Scale》
At the Award Ceremony, top regional pieces took the stage: “The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting”(Vancouver), “Looking Back” (New York), and “Women Warriors” (Southern Califroina), each earning roaring applause for their excellence.
《Women Warriors》
《The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting》
《Looking Back》
Masterclasses and forums ran alongside the competition. Former PACDA Chair Shin Yue Wang said, “Dancers grew visibly—thanks to their teachers’ dedication.”
《Scarlet Phoenix Sunward》
The Taoli Cup was co-founded in 2017 by Professor Zhitao Pan, creator of the original China Taoli Dance Competition, and PACDA, bringing the prestigious 35-year legacy to the global stage. It is now a premier event for Chinese dancers worldwide.
《Dolan Meshrep》
PACDA Executive Director Cheer Pan said the alliance will continue to foster dancers with artistic and cultural depth through competitions, training, and global collaboration—advancing Chinese dance worldwide.
《Flower》
At the ceremony, Melinda Liu, Brian See, Tara Campbell, Scotty Hong, and Farrah Khan joined to congratulate the winners and commend PACDA’s efforts in preserving Chinese dance.
★ The above photos are provided by the Taoli World Dance 2024–2025 Grand Finals ★