The China Dance School performed here at our own Skyline Theater on Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Despite it being a foggy Saturday night, the show was sold out within 20 minutes. Unfortunately, some guests had to be turned away. China Dance School was delighted to have many students, teachers, family members and friends in the audience. During the show, a moment was given to honor California Senator Leland Y. Yee’s wife, Maxine Yee, who was sitting in the first row among the crowd. Yee had many kind words for China Dance School and Skyline College.
The show had 18 dances with dancers of varying ages and groups of varying sizes. The mission of the night was to show off Chinese dance styles from different backgrounds and of Mongolian and Tibetan style. Each dance was introduced with a matching poem that set the stage for the complimenting dance.
After seeing nine dances, the audience was treated to a ten-minute intermission break halfway through the show. Snacks and refreshments were also for sale in the lobby.
Among the excited chatter during the break, many patrons were ready to talk about the dance and their experiences. Skyline’s own Professor James I. Wong had this to say about the performance: “Very entertaining, informative, educational, and it opens a whole new world of Chinese art and dance to people who normally wouldn’t know.” Wong himself had promoted the dance to many of his students.
When asked how many students of his were in attendance, he replied, “Well, I so far only have 28 checked in, but that’s a lot and I heard some came but they (the show) sold out.”
Another professor, R.J. Ward from Foothill College in Los Gatos, wanted his friends performing and Skyline College to know, “It’s a terrific show, great presentation, really beautiful.”
A particular group of students who were standing out front during the break said, “It’s actually entertaining,” “Wow, I am glad I came!” and, “The little girls doing the horse dance was the best!” These students wanted to remain anonymous but still wanted to encourage other students to check out China Dance School.
Kara Chien, the house manager of the show, could be seen smiling, greeting and passing out programs before and after the dance. Each program contained the poems that were recited during the show as well as pictures of the dancers. The programs also contained the school’s history and contact information.
The dance was put together by Kaiwen You and Aiping Zhou, among other staff and faculty members of both China Dance School and Skyline College. China Dance School’s performance here at Skyline promoted Chinese art and dance and also the school itself.
“I’m glad I can fit you in and have so many people show up; thanks for coming and supporting us tonight,” Chien said to most guests as they left the show. Further information about China Dance School and its upcoming performances can be found at http://chinadancetheatre.com.
Stay alert and look at flyers around the halls, or visit the Student Activities Center to find out about events, dances, movies or other great opportunities happening around Skyline’s campus so you don’t miss a chance like China Dance School’s performance.
