Since its founding in 2007, the Los Angeles Chinese American Performing Arts Association has embraced the mission of “building bridges through art and uniting hearts through culture.”
Through dance, music, theater, and cross-genre productions, the association works to keep Chinese culture thriving overseas while engaging in dialogue with Western art.
United Talents · Shared Stage
Founder and president Ruth Yang noted that the association focuses on stage training and production, holding two classes a week and two concerts annually.
Programs range from karaoke and band performances to song-and-dance ensembles. Today, the association has over one hundred members, including professional artists, dance teachers, students, and community volunteers.
Beyond annual concerts, the association actively joins community festivals, charity shows, school tours, and youth training, giving young members a platform to build confidence and cultural pride.
Fusion & Innovation · Creative Expression
The president Ruth Yang highlights “fusion and innovation” as the association's hallmark. Each performance aims to surprise and connect with audiences. In April, the association staged an “English Poetry in Song and Dance” program at the University of the West in Rosemead.
Led by member Vivi, the program fused Tang and Song poetry with Latin rhythms and bilingual lyrics, transforming 24 classics into a vibrant song-and-dance production.
Multi-ethnic performers shared the stage, giving ancient verse a fresh cross-cultural flair. Though an amateur show, the cast’s passion and commitment made it truly impressive.
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Cross-Boundary · Inclusive Spirit
The program featured professional dancers and singers alongside children with autism, underscoring the association’s belief in inclusive arts education.
Hosted by a well-known radio personality, the concert also included choreography by professional dance instructors, with students in Tang-style costumes embodying the imagery of ancient verse.
Members of the American Chinese Medicine Arts Troupe joined as well, creating a vibrant, cross-cultural performance.
Rooted in Community · Passing on Culture
For years, the association has brought art into senior centers, libraries, city halls, and schools, giving residents firsthand encounters with the beauty of Chinese poetry, dance, and music.
Supported by the Chinese American community and embraced by diverse audiences, the association has helped Chinese culture flourish in Southern California’s multicultural setting.
Art as Bridge · Looking Ahead
Whether through innovative works like “English Poetry in Song and Dance” or grassroots community stages, the association believes that art is more than performance—it is a dialogue of the soul.
Moving forward, LA Chinese American Performing Arts Association will continue to deepen its roots, offering a stage for Chinese American voices while opening a window for the world to experience the richness of Chinese culture.
