Chinese Traditional Folk dance classes have been part of our Center since the early 1990's.  Our students are not only introduced to the elegance and beauty of this Chinese art but are also taught the rigors of dancing that transcend all cultures.  Through the language of movement, the students learn the richness and diversity of China's long history and heritage.

 

Our dance program is offered in two levels and range from preschool to alumni.  All students start at the beginning level and they progress according to their level of ability.  At the age of 2½ to 4, our youngest class is the toddler/preschool movement class. They are introduced to elementary and beginning folk dances as well.  The next group is the Junior Petite group, where the students' ages range from 5 to 8 years old.  This group learns hand/eye coordination, rhythm, basic ballet dance steps, techniques, and an understanding of music expression.  The next level is the Junior group, consisting of students ranging from age 9 to 11 years old.  Here, they develop skills in teamwork, choreography, balance, control, and flexibility.  In our Teen group, the students are between the ages of 12 to 14 years old.  The Teen group of students develop the understanding of different dance types from varying time periods and regions along with intermediate level dance techniques. For students above age 14, they are in the Senior group, learning advanced techniques and skills for solo performances. 

 

The other level of our dance program is the Master dance group.  This is our Traditional Master Dance Company and the students in this program attend more rehearsals to hone in and refine dance skills to their peak.  This class is open to the Junior, Teen and Senior dance classes. The Master dance class is an intense course where students are recommended by the dance teachers. Students work on balance, control, turns, jumps, leaps, flexibility, and poise.  They practice Chinese classical hand and arm gestures in addition to leg and footwork movements.  The most important aspect of this class is to learn respect, choreography, and  teamwork.  Some of our former dancers have returned to CCLI to form an Alumni Company Dance Group.  These dedicated dancers rehearse and perform at special venues.

 

Our Traditional Dancers have performed proudly at various events:  Chinese American Nights at Eisenhower Park, Ellis Island Medal of Honor Ceremony, Town of North Hempstead Asian Festival, Cardozo Law School, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Tilles Center, Hershey Park, and many other venues. At our performances, audiences enjoy a variety of venerated court and folk dances from China and minority areas. In past years, our dancers have performed Peacock, Handkerchief, Hu Bei Fan, and Bamboo Hat dances.  Great appreciation and recognition goes to Lydia Wong, with assistance from Donna Chan and Lotus Wu, and our instructors Gina Chen and Alanna Chan.  These people encourage our children to work hard and to be the best they can be.  We would like to thank our parent coordinators, Mona Ng, Samantha Parris-Fong, Cindy Hu, and Cindy Chiu.

Director: Lydia Wong

Co-Principals: Donna Chan, Lotus Wu 
Dance Instructors: Gina Chen

Administrative Assistant: Caitlin Chan