KCA Performing Arts
KCA Performing Arts Project
The KCA Performing Arts project includes three performing groups: Chinese folk dance, lion dance, as well as Chinese YoYo. KCA Performing Arts aims to expand opportunities for artists of all ages, skill levels, backgrounds, and identities through our performing arts program. In addition to establishing Chinese culture as an integral part of the Kalamazoo community through performing arts, the expansion and diversification of our programs will showcase the uniqueness of Chinese art and culture to a wider audience without them having to travel to China. KCA Performing Arts strives to provide performing arts programs to promote access, in a safe and welcoming environment, to Kalamazoo County students underserved in the arts through the transformative power of the arts.
Contact: performingarts@kzooca.org
Support provided by the Arts Fund of Kalamazoo County, a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo.
Chinese Dance
Chinese Dance
Chinese Dance
KCA dance classes offer various types of dance training. Adult classes combine traditional Chinese dance with ballet and contemporary. Youth classes include Chinese folk, ballet, and creative movements. KCA dance classes incorporate a mix of American and Chinese dance styles into one beautiful and unique fusion that unites our cultures. The goal is to bring together two cultures and create a fusion of dance styles. Dance classes will be held weekly to improve students’ techniques and skills in the art of Chinese dance.
Lion Dance
Chinese Dance
Chinese Dance
Lion dance is a form of traditional dance in Chinese culture and other Asian countries in which performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume to bring good luck and fortune. The lion dance is usually performed during the Lunar New Year and other Chinese traditional, cultural, and religious festivals.
KCA lion dance sessions are a hybrid of dance and martial arts that combine traditional lion dance moves with hip-hop elements and develop LED-based choreography. Because many of the lion dance movements are based in Chinese martial arts, kids will learn introductory forms of traditional Chinese martial arts as part of the lion dance practice. This includes Five Steps Fists (五步拳) and also some Tai Chi (太极) and Ba Duan Jin (八段锦) movements. Sessions will be held every other week.
Chinese YoYo
Chinese Dance
Chinese YoYo
Chinese YoYo, also known as diabolo, provides an opportunity for youth to come together to play this ancient spinning game that provides endless levels of skill development, challenge, and entertainment. Students gather to learn challenging new tricks while perfecting dazzling routines, with more experienced students helping novice students learn how to spin, toss, and perform various other tricks. Sessions will be held every other week.