Spotlight Series: Dancer Profiles
Yoshier Hu
Yoshier joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada at the age of 5, and has since completed Grade 13 of the Chinese Dance Examination Syllabus with distinguished performance. She has been fortunate to receive five Academy scholarships and has been recognized twice with the Cindy Yang Excellence Award.​​
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Over the years, Yoshier has had a myriad of experiences performing at local festivals, community events, and international competitions such as 2014 and 2016 U.S. Dance Magic, Peak Invitational Dance Competition, and Surrey Festival of Dance. She enjoys exploring ethnic and traditional dance styles, including the Dai minority’s “Fetching Water,” the lyrical dance “Black & White,” and Mongolian dance “Melodies of the Prairies.”​
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Pursuing her studies at the academy, Yoshier aspires to delve deeper into advanced dance education, with a special focus on refining her artistic insight and choreography. This year marks her 6th SOD performance, where; alongside several group dances, she will perform her Han Tang solo, “Melancholic Memories." Embracing new challenges, she has worked to weave together diverse dance elements and is excited to present the results at SOD 2024!
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​ Ultimately, to her peers, instructors, and other exemplary dancers of the academy, she expresses her gratitude for their encouragement and support along this journey. Indeed, her journey at CYDA has not only shaped her character, but also unlocked her potential in many other ways.
Winnie Liu
Winnie Liu, a 16-year-old, has been learning Chinese dance since the young age of 3. In 2014, at the age of 6, she joined Cindy Yang Dance Academy. Winnie started her dance journey when she was three by watching a dance video, sparking her love for dance. Since then, she has been persistently learning and expanding her passion for Chinese dance.
Winnie began the Beijing Dance Academy’s Chinese Dance Syllabus Examinations and received her first certificate at the age of 4. She is currently continuing her exams and is in the final grade, grade 13. She participated in many opportunities that CYDA offered such as the Chinese Classical Dance Training program, letting her learn a lot about basic techniques and Chinese minorities. Winnie enjoys performing at various locations, including community centers, malls, and events. She hopes to improve herself, spread her knowledge of Chinese dance to others, and, most importantly, have fun.
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At CYDA, Winnie’s award achievements include the Director's Choice award for the group dance “Blossoms” in the spotlight competition, and the Trio International Folk Dance first place for “Jiangnan” in the Surrey Festival of Dance.
Angela Xiao
Angela Xiao was introduced to dance in 2013, when she first learned ballet. After watching the Cindy Yang Dance Academy’s Soul of Dance in 2018, she decided to begin learning Chinese dance in 2019.
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Growing up, Angela has always been interested in traditional Chinese culture, so being able to learn about different ethnic groups’ unique styles in dance is a very special experience for her. To Angela, the people in her class are not just classmates, but also friends who share little things and hang out with each other during their spare time. The group dance “Blossom” was awarded the Director’s Choice Award at the Spotlight Dance Cup, and Angela’s trio “Jiangnan” with her two friends also won first place in its category at the Surrey Festival of Dance.
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Dancing has become a very important part of Angela’s life that is always worth looking forward to, whether that is regular class time or performance opportunities. For the past 11 years, Angela has maintained a passion for dance, and wishes to continue learning and performing dances in the future.
Fiona Zhang
Joining the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada in 2015 marked the beginning of a new stage in Fiona’s pursuit of dance, a passion that began at the age of five.
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Throughout these years, Fiona’s commitment has led her to gain enriching experiences and opportunities. From performing at local events to receiving the certificate for level 13 of the Beijing Dance Academy examinations, she has consistently involved herself in the academy’s activities with dedication and passion. Her involvement also includes competing in several local and international competitions, as well as participating in multiple iterations of the Soul of Dance performances. Notably, in 2024, she competed with her first solo “Chang’e”, which won its category’s first place at the Surrey Dance Festival and won the High Mark Division I Solo at the Dance Power Competitions.
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Each one of these experiences have not only developed her artistic skills, enriched her understanding of dance as an art form, but have also shaped her personal resilience, allowing Fiona to grow both as a dancer and as an individual. Looking ahead, Fiona is excited to embrace future learning with the same dedication and enthusiasm, to push her boundaries and to explore new possibilities.
Karlie Peng
Karlie Peng joined Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada in 2021. Currently an 11th-grade student, she has been dancing for 11 years since the age of 5. Before joining CYDA from her previous studio, Karlie began Chinese Dance Examinations at the age of nine and persisted until Grade 13. These exams allowed her to learn various techniques and styles which deepened her passion and knowledge of dance through CYDA.
Since joining CYDA, Karlie has gained immense experience from competitions like the Surrey Festival of Dance and Spotlight Dance Cup in the USA. Moreover, she has won awards such as “Judges Choice Award” from her trio “Jiangnan” as well as the Outstanding Category and Director's Choice Award for the group dance “Melodies of the Prairies” at Spotlight.
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Through Karlie’s three years of being at CYDA, some of her best memories will always be with her fellow peers. Performing with her friends at places such as the Richmond Night Market and the Pacific National Exhibition, allowed a balance between professionalism and fun. Her favorite performances that hold fond memories are “Dance Forever” and “Soul of Dance” where Karlie truly displayed her skills, commitment, and passion for dance with others.
Lisa Wang
For Lisa, dance has been a beacon of light in her life, illuminating the stage on which she poured her youth and passion in the dark and uncertain nights. Lisa began learning dance at the age of four years old, and has continued to take dance lessons twice a week throughout her university. Although she has not studied systematically over the years, dance has long been an integral part of her life. For Lisa, dance is as essential as the human need for sleep and food. As a child, she spent almost ten hours every Saturday in dance classes, but that never diminished my determination to continue learning dance after coming to Canada.
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She completed various levels of dance exams in China and passed the Grade 13 of the Chinese Graded Dance Examination at Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada after joining in 2017. At the academy, Lisa met many like-minded students, and a kind and supportive teacher, Ms. Yang Yang. In her second year at CYDA, they traveled across the ocean to Japan to compete and won several awards.
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These experiences not only honed Lisa's dance skills, but also deepened her appreciation for the joy and fulfillment that dance brings to her. Every spin and leap on stage is backed by countless drops of sweat and effort, all of which have shaped her growth. In the future, Lisa will continue to follow this guiding light and bravely walk on the path of dance, constantly exploring and pushing her limits to embrace new challenges and opportunities ahead.
Amber Song
Amber is a 16-year-old student at Rockridge Secondary School in West Vancouver. She has been passionate about dance since she began at the age of 3. In China, she was part of dance clubs in both kindergarten and elementary school, where her love for performing first blossomed.
After moving to Canada, Amber continued her dance journey at Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada (CYDA), where her experience has been nothing short of amazing. Over the past few years, she has participated in numerous performances and competitions, each one contributing to her joy and growth as a dancer.
At CYDA, Amber has formed lasting friendships with others who share her passion for dance. She feels incredibly fortunate to be part of a warm and supportive community where the teachers provide professional instruction in class while being respectful friends outside of class. Amber is excited to continue growing and exploring new opportunities in her dance career.
Sophie Han
Sophie is a grade 11 high school student currently in her third year of dancing at the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada. Sophie’s first exposure to Chinese dance was in 2014 where she started dancing with another dance studio in Vancouver. However, that experience did not last long as she was later introduced to a new genre of dance — ballet, in 2015.
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Through Sophie’s ballet journey, she was able to participate in the RAD ballet exams, and preparing for the exams became a contributor to developing some of her dance fundamentals. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic in 2020, Sophie was unable to continue doing ballet and therefore stopped dancing for a while post-pandemic.
Finally, in 2022, Sophie started dancing at CYDA following her mother and sister who had joined shortly before her. During her time at CYDA until now, Sophie learned a lot about Chinese dance. Not only through the fundamental postures, movements, and steps from Chinese classical and folk dance, but also the unique cultures and dance styles of the many Chinese ethnic minorities. At the beginning of 2024, Sophie also had the privilege to participate in the Chinese Classical Dance Training Program where she learned combinations she agreed definitely provided her with more experience in Chinese dance!
Ashley Leung
Ashley Leung is currently a fifth-year kinesiology student at the University of British Columbia pursuing a career in physiotherapy. Her dance journey began in the sixth grade, after attending her first class when a classmate and dancer of CYDA described her exciting experience competing at the Taoli Bei competition. Ever since then, dance has been an integral aspect of Ashley’s life.
This year will be Ashley’s 10th year as a dancer with the CYDA. This past decade has not only given her the opportunity to learn various ethnic dances and travel to different countries, but it has also allowed her to gain more insight into China’s rich culture.
As she reflects on my dance journey, Ashley is thankful to have had a strong dance community, friendships she may cherish, and wonderful teachers who have shaped her into the strong and confident woman she is today. In particular, she is especially grateful to have been able to experience it all alongside her sister, Sonia.
Sonia Leung
Sonia has been dancing at Cindy Yang Dance Academy (CYDA) of Canada since 2016. Being a part of this community has given her an incredible opportunity to connect more deeply with her Chinese culture.
Throughout her journey in dance, she has explored different forms of dance, including various Chinese ethnic minority dances, folk dances, and contemporary styles. Over the years, Sonia has competed locally and internationally, with her most memorable competition being in Singapore.
Beyond the cultural aspect, CYDA has also been a space where she has formed close friendships with other dancers who share the same passion and values. Dance has been both challenging and enjoyable, providing a perfect balance that keeps them engaged and motivated. It has helped her grow not only as a dancer but also as a person, playing a crucial role in improving her physical and mental health while allowing her to maintain a strong and active lifestyle. Sonia is truly grateful for all the memories and experiences she has gained at CYDA.
Daphne Qiu
Daphne Qiu was born in Vancouver and is currently a grade 12 student at Killarney Secondary School. She is looking forward to graduating and is hoping to get a visual art and health science degree in the future.
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At the age of seven, Daphne joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy and discovered her passion for dance. Daphne has experienced joy in moments she spends dancing. More specifically, she enjoys spending time with her friends that she made through her passion, which is a significant reason she still has motivation to continue in dance. Since joining the academy she has participated in many performances all over Vancouver and traveled to the United States to compete at Spotlight Dance Cup. Some of her most memorable moments were the performances at Dance Forever, Soul of Dance, and the Surrey Festival of Dance.
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Daphne will forever be grateful for the opportunity she has gotten to learn the beautiful art of Chinese dance. She is looking forward to participating in many more performances next year, and is most excited to share new choreography to the audience at Soul Of Dance 2024!
Vivian Yang
Vivian Yang, 15 years old, has been learning Chinese dance since 4. She joined Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada in 2019 when she was 10. She started dancing in kindergarten and then began to study dance formally in a dance institution. Since then she has shown interest in dancing.
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Vivian started taking the Beijing Dance Academy Chinese Graded Examination Syllabus when she was 6 years old, and with years of hard work, she is now preparing for Grade 12. The dance she participated in has been recorded three times in the local Spring Festival Gala and was broadcast on TV during the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Spring Festival. She has a keen interest in ethnic minority dances and hopes to gain an in-depth understanding of their folk culture.
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In the"Yi Ji Zhi Chang Eighth National Youth Spring Festival Gala", the performance of “Horseshoe Dada” of the program, she won the gold medal. In the "Happy Growth, Touching the Future" Skills·Dream Childhood National Youth Talent Competition — Fujian Division Competition, the program "Xiao Man" she participated in won the gold medal in the Children's Group A. At CYDA, her awards include the 2024 Spotlight Dance Competition Ruby Award for her Trio "Red Sleeves".
Isabella Li
Isabella has been with the Cindy Yang Dance Academy since she was ten years old. She was inspired after watching the Soul of Dance performance and called the next day to join in on the dancing.
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Ever since then she has participated in classes every Saturday and Sunday and went through Beijing dance academy dance exams level 6 to now level 13. Isabella loves her friends in her class and the memories with them she has gathered from performances locally in Vancouver to international at Seattle.
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She personally enjoys the costume and makeup experiences that come along with dancing. In the near future, she hopes to finish grade 13 exams and continue to have dance as an aspect of her life.
Elena Kwan
Elena Kwan is 13 years old, and has been pursuing Chinese dance since the age of 4. Elena joined Cindy Yang Dance Academy in 2020. Elena began the Beijing Dance Academy's Chinese Syllabus Examinations when she was 9 years old. Currently, she is on level 12 of the Beijing Dance Academy's Chinese Dance Graded Examination Syllabus.
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She participated in the Chinese Classical Dance Training Program and many other competitions such as the Surrey Festival of Dance, the Spotlight Dance Cup, and many more outstanding competitions and performances.
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CYDA’s biannual performance, “Soul of Dance” is one of the many ways Elena gets to showcase her improvement over the years. This year, she is excited to present several dance pieces to the audience, including classical Chinese dance technique combinations, Chinese Classical Dance Training combinations, as well as choreographies from the Tibetan, Weiwuer and Chaoxian ethnic minorities, and among others.
Helen Chen
Since 2009, dancing at the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada has always been a constant part of Helen’s life starting at the young age of 4. Chinese dance has taught her not only a variety of intricate skills and techniques, but also helped her learn more about her Chinese roots. Her appreciation for and connection to Chinese culture has significantly grown over the years because of being a part of this academy growing up.
Most recently, she competed with her team at the 2024 Surrey Festival of Dance, where their group dance “Eternal” received First Place. Additionally, she has competed and excelled with her team in other competitions like Peak Invitational and Dance Magic, as well as traveled internationally to compete in countries like Japan and the United States.
Her dance background also extends to other genres such as ballroom dance and hip-hop, but Helen has continued Chinese dance all these years because she was always intrigued by the storytelling aspect and the deep emotions it can convey to the audience. This will be Helen's 7th ‘Soul of Dance' show and she's thrilled to return to the stage and showcase new and memorable dances that she has been working hard on!
Chloe Heng
Chloe is a grade 11 student at Crofton House School. She grew up in Hong Kong and began dancing at the age of 2. Throughout primary school, she trained in various styles, including ballet, Chinese dance, jazz, lyrical, modern, and acro.
She has completed the RAD Primary to Grade 8 and vocational examinations and Beijing Dance Academy examinations since Level 2. In Hong Kong, she was a part of the Hong Kong Dance Academy’s Children’s Troupe where she participated in several professional performances annually.
After moving to Vancouver 4 years ago, she has continued to do Chinese Dance as a way to stay active and deepen her connection to her heritage. She has enjoyed training and performing with Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada and is grateful for all the opportunities to grow as a dancer.
​Vivian Kam
Vivian Kam is 16 years old and she has been learning Chinese dance since she was four. Before she moved to Canada, she trained at the Hong Kong Dance Company, was a main force in the school dance team, and was a student you could always find in community dance classes. Not only did she learn various Chinese folk dances, but also different types of dance such as Latin dance, Indian dance, and belly dance, etc.
After moving to Canada, she has been continuing her dance journey, constantly performing and competing in various places, and winning awards in every competition. Her achievements include her path in hip hop dance, in which she is currently developing through her participation in competitive teams. Vivian’s passion for dance is quite apparent as she explores the various different types of dance in traditional and contemporary ways.
Vivian joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada two years ago and recently finished Grade 12 of the Beijing Dance Academy Chinese Dance Graded Examination. She is honored to be a member of this big crew and she can’t wait to create more amazing memories with her lovely teammates!
Jane Wu
Prior to joining Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada (CYDA) in 2019, Jane had already been learning Chinese dance for four years since the age of 6. Over the years, she has grown to love dancing alongside her peers.
As Jane continues to partake in various competitions and performances, she finds herself enchanted by the world of performance arts — allowing her to reconnect with her cultural heritage and traditions. From “Soul of Dance” to “Dance Forever” to the Chinese Dance Examination Syllabus, these opportunities have become cherished memories for Jane and her friends to bond over. She will continue to refine her techniques and style, in order to reach higher peaks.
Learning at CYDA has been a remarkable experience for Jane, nurturing personal growth and fueling her passion for dance. She feels honored to be a part of the warm and welcoming community at CYDA.
Ronnie Jiang
Ronnie (Veronica) Jiang, a 15-year-old high school student, joined Cindy Yang Dance Academy at the age of five. Over the years, she has been taking lessons to improve and expand her knowledge of Chinese dance.
Ronnie started taking Beijing Dance Academy’s Chinese Dance Syllabus Examinations at a young age. She has successfully completed her grade 5, 7, 10, and 11 exams, and is currently preparing for her grade 12 exam.
At CYDA, Ronnie has performed on various occasions, such as at the Academy’s “Soul of Dance” and “Dance Forever” performances and shows at the PNE, Richmond Night Market, and Vancouver Water Splashing Festival.
In addition to performances, Ronnie has also had the opportunity to participate in various dance competitions. Some of her dance awards include the High Mark Trophy at the 2024 Dance Power Competition for her group dance “Violet Beauty” and a First Place Trophy at the 2023 Surrey Festival of Dance for her group dance “Yi Girls of the Zi Xi Mountains”. In the future Ronnie hopes to continue to work on and develop her Chinese dance skills.
Stephanie Zhang
Stephanie, now 13 years old, began her journey in Chinese dance at just 4, inspired by a school performance. Since that day, her passion for dance has only grown, leading her to consistently attend training courses.
In 2020, she joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada at the age of 9. As she nears grade 12, Stephanie has made impressive strides in her dance skills, particularly in balancing strength and grace. The academy has not only prepared her for exams but has also provided valuable opportunities for growth, such as participating in Spotlight Dance Competitions and performing "Red Sleeves" in Seattle.
These experiences have helped her develop confidence on stage and allowed her to showcase the beauty of Chinese traditional dance, inspiring other children to explore the art form. Stephanie has been fortunate to learn from wonderful mentors like Ms. Yang Yang and Gloria, whose support has been crucial in her dance journey.
Keira Liu
Keira's currently in grade 11 and has been dancing at Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada for 4 years. Before she joined traditional Chinese dance, she had been dancing at Goh Ballet since the age of 6. During the six years that she has danced at Goh Ballet, she has performed several times at the Queen Elizabeth Theater.
Keira later found interest in traditional Chinese dance as it would allow her to learn more about her culture and ethnic background. She then decided to end her ballet career and start her traditional dance career. She has participated in many competitions such as Spotlight Dance Cup and Surrey Festival of Dance and performed at the PNE, Richmond Night Market, Queen Elizabeth Theater along with many other stages.
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When she was in ballet, annual exams were mandatory and switching to traditional dancing annual dance exams were also available so transitioning was not challenging for her. She found ballet basics in many traditional Chinese dance movements so switching styles was much easier for her. She's currently learning dance at Cindy Yang Dance Academy and has completed levels 8-10 and 12, she's currently preparing for her level 13 exam.
Felisa Liang
Felisa Liang joined Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada (CYDA) in 2024, and she has been dancing since kindergarten. She participates in the dance competition every year in primary school, and won the first prize almost every time.
She believes dance is the language hidden in the soul and dance is like realizing dreams with posture. Each action is a word, combined into dance into poetry. The charm of dance lies not only in the wonderful performance on the stage, but also in its profound cultural connotation. More importantly, dance can stimulate people's passion and enthusiasm.
In simple terms, dance is a very unique art form to Felisa. It not only brings visual enjoyment, but also makes herself feel the infinite possibilities of life. Dance is a love for life and a challenge to oneself. Grow up in sweat and shine on the stage.
​Suki Leung
Suki is currently a 4th-year student at Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business, where she is pursuing a degree in business administration. Her academic journey is complemented by her active involvement in the university community. Suki participates in various student organizations, taking on leadership roles and engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities. Her passion for giving back is evident in her work with a non-profit organization, where she dedicates her time to teaching and mentoring youth, helping to shape the next generation.
Suki’s commitment to personal growth and development extends beyond academics. At the age of 13, she began training at the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada, where she honed her skills in dance. Over the years, she has participated in numerous performances and competitions. This experience has not only allowed her to express herself creatively but has also instilled in her a sense of discipline and perseverance that carries over into other areas of her life. This upcoming performance will mark her fourth appearance in SOD.
Carina Xiao
Carina Xiao, a 15-year old, has been learning Chinese dance since 6 years old. She began dancing at DongFangHe Dance Academy in China and received her first Chinese Dance certificate (level 5) at the age of 8.
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She joined CYDA the year she came to Canada (2019) at the age of nine. She is now in grade 12 and will be continuing taking exams. Carina enjoys learning Chinese minorities and performing, and she hopes to become better at dancing.
Katherine Koh
Katherine joined CYDA in 2019 after previously studying ballet. She completed the RAD vocational Intermediate Exam in 2018. Since then, she has completed the Beijing Dance Academy Chinese Dance examinations to grade 13. Her passion in dance started at CYDA where her mother, Christy danced. Katherine wanted to branch out to try new styles, ultimately coming back to Chinese dance and its beauty. This year, Katherine is attending 2nd year at UBC and is grateful that she is able to continue to dance. In her leisure time, Katherine is working on her ARCT for piano, holds a Black belt in Taekwondo, and enjoys golfing.
Throughout the years, Katherine has explored many dance opportunities and experiences. She performed in the Nutcracker with Goh Ballet, and competed in the Festival du Ballet, Surrey Festival of Dance, and Chilliwack Dance Festival, often placing in the top 3 and winning scholarships. She loved competing and performing, and through them gained new perspectives and grew as a dancer. Katherine has gone to various international and local competitions with the CYDA team. Notably, she performed with the team in the United States earning a diamond in their group dance “Melody of the Prairies”. She has enjoyed learning many different styles of traditional and modern Chinese dance with her favourites being, “Black and White”, “Eternal”, and “Blossom”.
Overall, Katherine has enjoyed and made lasting memories of her passion for Chinese dance at CYDA with her friends. She is grateful to have learned so much at CYDA and will cherish her time spent here.
Christy Chow
Christy joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada (CYDA) during the inception year in 1990. In the beginning, Madam Cindy Yang taught a group of approximately 8-10 students, it was like a small family where every costume is handmade by parents and the dancers are close, good friends. By 1991, the Academy won its first 1st place Trophies at competition with “The White Peacock” and “Chinese Girls” which Christy was grateful to be a part of. Through the next few years Christy’s love of dance grew as she was able to explore all different styles and minorities in Chinese dances such as Dai, Han, Dun Huang, Chaoxian, Tibetan, Mongolian, Xinjiang. In 1996, Christy auditioned and was accepted into the SFU Contemporary Dance Program as well as the Business Program. For her year, she was the only candidate with a background in Chinese dance and not ballet. She was working on both degrees in the first 2 years, eventually graduating with a Business degree in Finance for career planning. Upon graduation, Christy focused on her professional career. She is a Private Wealth Manager with UBS Canada.
In 2001, she returned to CYDA and danced until 2005 when she had her first child Katherine Koh. Christy also had a son, Matthew, in 2007. Katherine joined Christy at the 2010 “Soul of Dance” performance which Christy believed would be her last time dancing and performing on stage. Years passed, the friendship and connection between Christy and CYDA continued on, and her daughter Katherine decided to join CYDA in 2019 after many years of training in ballet. This time, the younger sister Jacqueline also joined. In 2023, Christy returned to the dance studio with her dance shoes and started training with the adult class after over 10 years of being away. In this year’s “Soul of Dance”, Christy is excited to be able to dance with her oldest daughter Katherine in their group and look forward to a new experience on stage. She looks forward to seeing the Academy grow and new generations of dancers shine as they learn about the beauty of Chinese dance and culture.
Tiffany Tse
Tiffany is currently a third-year business student at Simon Fraser University. She began dancing with the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada in 2009 and has since performed in six Soul of Dance performances.
She has had the opportunity to compete both internationally and domestically, with some of her most memorable experiences being in Singapore and Portland. Tiffany has also competed at the Surrey Dance Festival, Dance Power, Dance Magic, and the Peak Invitational Dance Competition. She took part in numerous group dances that won first place for the intermediate and advanced categories.
Through dance, she has made new friends and gained many opportunities that she will forever cherish.
Iris Zheng
Iris Zheng is a student at the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada. She immigrated to Canada in 2018, having previously lived in Shanghai. Iris began dancing from a young age with the goal of becoming more graceful and flexible. Over the years, she has explored various dance styles, including hip-hop.
In 2019, she joined CYDA, where she began learning basic dance techniques along with Chinese traditional and Chinese minority dances. She also participated in the Beijing Dance Academy’s Chinese Dance Graded Examination Syllabus, and is currently in grade 12.
With the academy, she has had the opportunity to perform in several shows and events, including performances at locations such as the PNE. Iris acknowledges that she is not always the brightest student when it comes to dance, so he is especially grateful for the patience and guidance of her teachers, who take the time to enlighten and teach her at a pace that she can follow.
Emma Zhou
Emma Zhou, 14 years old, has been training in the art of dance since she was 5. In 2018, at the age of 8, she joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy and has been dancing there since. She has always been interested in dance, and even at a young age, she has always aspired to become skilled in the craft. Ever since then, Emma has been training and working hard to be better and to understand Chinese dance.
Emma, currently in Grade 12 of the Beijing Dance Academy’s Chinese Dance Graded Examination Syllabus, received her first certification at 6 years old. She participates in every opportunity that CYDA offers, including performing in community centers, malls, global events and much more. She hopes to continue training and perfecting herself, and to spread knowledge of Chinese dance to the world.
At CYDA, her achievements include: the 2019 Surrey Festival of Dance 8-12 solo overall first place trophy; the 2023 Surrey Festival of Dance solo second place with scholarship and group overall first place; the 2024 Surrey Festival of Dance duo 13-15 first place and solo 13-15 first place.
Jessica Liang
Jessica began her dance journey at the age of 4 at the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada, and over the past decade, her growth has been remarkable.
At just 6, she won the overall championship at a competition in the United States. By age 8, she was representing her academy in international dance exchange competitions in countries like Singapore, Japan, China and Malaysia achieving outstanding results. These ten years have not only sharpened her stage skills but have enriched her life with invaluable experiences and friendships. Through dedication and hard work, Jessica has participated in many performances, club activities, and charity events, amassing numerous awards and medals. She also completed the Beijing Dance Academy’s Grade 12 Chinese dance exam with excellence. Under Ms. Yang’s guidance, Jessica has developed a spirit of perseverance and continual improvement. Joining this academy has truly been a life changing experience, and she is grateful for the opportunities and support that have shaped her journey.
In conclusion, Jessica is excited about the chance to partner with your school to create a brilliant future together. Thank you for the support and encouragement!
Gloria Huang
Gloria graduated from Shanghai Dance School, where she received seven years of professional training in Chinese classical dance, ethnic and folk dance, and ballet. She is currently a certified Chinese dance instructor at the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada.
At the age of 10, Gloria moved to Shanghai to pursue her dance education independently, and in 2015, she joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada, receiving guidance from former principal Ms. Gui Zhen and lead choreographer and teacher Ms. Yang Yang. She began her dance teaching career at age 18 and now has nine years of teaching experience.
In 2015, she performed in the Tianjin Spring Festival Gala, and in 2016, she took part in the 11th Peach & Plum Cup Dance Education Showcase. Gloria also returned to China in the summers of 2016 and 2019 to continue her studies, earning top grades and obtaining the Level 1-9 Chinese Dance Teaching Certificate from Beijing Dance Academy.
On stage, Gloria has been part of numerous dance productions that have been well-received by audiences. Her representative solo work in classical dance is 《Drown in Beauty》. She has also performed as the lead dancer in group pieces, including the Dai dance 《Beautiful Golden Peacock》 and 《Blue》, the ChaoXian dance 《Ali’s Sky》, the Mongolian dance 《Melodies of the Prairie》, the Tibetan dance 《Drums of the Plateau》, the Uyghur dance 《Snow Lotus》, and Han dances such as 《Dance in the Rain》, 《Blooms》, 《My Homeland》, and 《Yellow River》.
During her teaching career, Gloria has been active in school events and performances, including Canada Day celebrations, the opening and closing ceremonies of the Maple Leaf Film Festival, and the academy’s annual “Soul of Dance” gala. Additionally, she has achieved outstanding results in international dance competitions. At the Peak Invitational Dance Competition, her group dance 《Rain》 ranked first in the Top 10 and earned her a place in the Ultimate Peak Challenge Finals. At the Surrey Dance Festival, her Mongolian dance 《Melodies of the Prairie》 won first place in the 16-20 age group ethnic dance category, along with the R.E. Fournier C.T. Trophy. In the U.S. Spotlight Dance Competition, she won the overall group championship with her classical solo piece 《Drown in Beauty》.
Since the academy first introduced Chinese dance certification exams in 2017, Gloria has prepared over 400 students, all of whom successfully passed the exams and earned their certificates. Beyond certification achievements, her students have excelled in various dance competitions, demonstrating exceptional skill and expressiveness. For instance, at the April 2024 Surrey Dance Festival, her students Iris Zheng and Elena Kwan won first place in the Duo Tradition 13-15 age category with their Dunhuang classical dance piece 《Melody in Dance》 and were awarded the Vancouver Spring Buds Dance School Award C.T. Trophy.
These accomplishments not only reflect her students’ hard work but also showcase Gloria’s professionalism and instructional excellence in dance education. Her extensive performance and teaching experience make her a highly respected and well-loved dance teacher among students and parents alike.
Ning Tang
Ning Tang graduated from the Minzu University of China College of Dance, majoring in folk dance of various Chinese ethnic minorities. She is a former dancer of the Central Ethnic Minorities Song And Dance Ensemble. In 2003, she took part in the 7th Taoli Cup National Dance Competition, and her Dai Minority solo “Rain Bamboo Forest” won Second Place and the Excellent Performance Award. In 2004, she participated in the Second Northern China Five Provinces Dance Competition and won First Place with the Dai Minority group dance “Water Town.” In 2005, Ning participated in the Third CCTV Dance Competition and won Second Place with the Dai Minority group dance “Water Town.” In 2005, she participated in the Lotus Cup National Dance Competition, and the Tujia Minority dance “Girls Waving Hands” won the Top Ten Performance Award. In 2006, she participated in the 8th Taoli Cup National Dance Competition, the Wa Minority group dance “Mountain Fire” won Third Place of the drama category and Third Place in the performance category. In 2006, she participated in the recording of the Tibetan dance teaching course of Professor Ciren Somme at the Dance College of the Minzu University of China. The recording was then listed as the teaching demonstration of the Tibetan dance curriculum in Beijing.