When the music kicked in, dancers hit the stage as lead singer Coco led the crowd in song. Soon, even grandparents were dancing to Taiwan’s classic morning exercise routine.
On July 22, hundreds packed the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center amphitheater as music, cheers, and applause swept through the crowd, bringing Yilan’s youthful energy roaring to life in Irvine.
Mountain to Sea—Youth Soars
The 16-member M&Ocean Band, ages 9 to 18 and representing nine schools in Su’ao, Yilan, presented “Pacific Waves: Taiwan–U.S. Youth Cultural Exchange.”
Through live vocals, band music, K-pop, modern and traditional dance, and musical theater, they brought northeastern Taiwan’s coastal spirit to the stage.
The five-part show opened with the Moana medley “We Know the Way” and “How Far I’ll Go,” celebrating dreams launched from their mountain-and-sea hometown.
“Songs from Taiwan” followed with an erhu rendition of “The Moon Represents My Heart” and a lively blend of vocals, piano, and traditional dance in “Longing for the Spring Breeze,” inspiring many to sing along.
The high-energy “Music Without Borders” set raced from K-pop hits “TT,” “Golden,” and “Drip” to “Love Story,” “A Thousand Years,” and “I Will Survive.”
Taiwan's baseball anthem “Together” sparked cheers and clapping, while a piano-violin performance of “Carol of the Bells” showcased the group’s range from pop to classical.
Songs Rise—Crowds Dance
The fourth act, “Celebrate Together,” featured the Taiwanese-language favorite “Heart in Bloom,” an ABBA medley of “Mamma Mia” and “Dancing Queen,” and the tender ballad “A Little Happiness.”
The fifth, “Taiwan Cultural Experience,” got the crowd moving with Taiwan’s National Fitness Routine. A drum-driven “Keep Moving Forward” celebrated resilience before the full cast closed with “Heal the World.”
Lead singer Lin Xiangwei and the dancers moved confidently between stage and audience, singing, dancing, and engaging the crowd.
Their self-choreographed routines—bold one moment, graceful the next—drew waves of applause.
As K-pop moves and the fitness routine kicked in, the emcee brought everyone to their feet—waving, swaying, and dancing. Laughter filled the amphitheater as the celebration hit full throttle.
Dreams Built—Oceans Crossed
Rebecca Wang, Board Chair of the HYACEAL, said the band was founded in 2020 after being inspired by School of Rock.
The students began with self-directed rehearsals and later took on choreography, stage design, and English songwriting, weaving ocean conservation and environmental awareness into their shows.
Band leader Karen Chen said their journey began with performances at local markets. Step by step, they moved beyond Yilan and reached the Dream Stage at Taipei 101.
With six years of support from teachers and parents—and ticketed shows to raise travel funds—they finally made their American dream come true.
Teacher Chi Ling Hou said the students created their own English-learning channel and teaching videos to learn from one another, enabling them to connect confidently with American audiences.
With limited funding, parents paid their own way and also handled the students’ makeup and costumes.
Taiwan Flavors—Cultures Connect
The “Taste of Taiwan” area beside the stage was just as popular.
Children and adults lined up to try on Taiwanese elementary school uniforms and backpacks, pose for photos, enter raffles, sample Taiwanese snacks, and play night-market games. 
Guests also received traditional woven market bags, affectionately known as “Taiwan’s LV.”
Music filled the afternoon as one exciting act followed another. With food, games, singing, and dancing, cheers and laughter echoed throughout the venue.
From seaside markets in Yilan to a stage in Irvine, these young performers turned six years of hard work into a dream fulfilled.
They brought more than music and dance—they brought Taiwan and America closer through applause, smiles, and shared experiences.
When the final note faded, the Pacific was no longer a barrier, but a blue bridge carrying dreams, friendship, and cultural exchange.
