KCA Performing Arts
KCA Performing Arts Project
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
Lion Dance & Youth Martial Arts
Lion Dance & Youth Martial Arts
KCA dance classes offer various types of dance training. All classes combine traditional Chinese dance with ballet and contemporary. The goal is to bring together two cultures and create a fusion of dance styles.
- "Little Star" dance class: for ages 5-10
- Beginner youth dance: for ages 11-18
- Youth dance: for existing members only
Lion Dance & Youth Martial Arts
Lion Dance & Youth Martial Arts
Lion Dance & Youth Martial Arts
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.
For ages 5-18. Please see our class schedule and academic calendar for details.
Chinese YoYo (Diabolo)
Lion Dance & Youth Martial Arts
Chinese YoYo (Diabolo)
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.
For ages 5-18. There will be a total of 16 sessions throughout the year. Please see our class schedule and academic calendar for details.
Art and Culture
Chinese Art
Chinese art class focuses on the major Chinese ink and watercolor painting techniques, aesthetics, and ideas through hands-on painting process. Students will start from the basics and gradually move toward more complex subjects through a series of art subjects.
Students may learn:
- Western-style watercolor painting with some subject influences from Asian cultures. Basic techniques of watercolor, color usage, composition, and layering of colors.
- Oil landscape and still-life painting. Fundamentals of techniques of painting, use of brush, basics of color, and application textures.
- Linocut printing with modern Asian influences. Explore the usage of colored print-ink and have hands-on experience with Linocut tools and gentle and easy-use materials such as rubber.
Check out some of our students' works:
Class options (subject to change):
Mixed Media Art with Asian Influence for Young Children Ages 6-9
This class explores a wide range of art media and tools with the creation of Asian inspired creative content and is designed for younger kids to enable them to explore the basic vocabulary of art.
Chinese Classical Painting for Ages 10 to Adult
This ctraditional Chinese painting class focuses on learning the meticulous Gongbi style and techniques as well as some abstract, freestyle Xieyi manners. Choice of focus depends on the student's age and capabilities. Emphasis will be on learning traditional methods with historical references and creative processes.
Chinese Dressmaking for Dolls (Hanfu Design)
Chinese dressmaking for dolls is a hanfu design class for children. This is child-friendly class that cultivates aesthetics and creativity does not require needlework. Students will have the opportunity to explore Chinese culture as they learn to match fabrics and accessories. More information forthcoming.