Arts Activities Support

Almost 1500 audience members attended two performances with almost 150 dance artists performing. Because all new choreography and story lines were incorporated dancers and audience alike not only expressed satisfaction with the artistic challenge but were amazed at the intricacies and high quality of the performance. Many declared Chinese American Association of Minnesota Chinese Dance Theater's performance on par with any performance in China! Artistic goals were met. Original challenging choreography was taught and performed by dancers at all levels, including juxtaposing various styles appropriate for flexibility and strength, highlighting classical as well as some more modern trends. Programming for audiences was new and exciting, a story centered around family traditions, highlighting art forms of embroidery and porcelain making, very appropriate to celebrate the year of the rooster, representing hard work. Staging and lighting incorporated many new techniques not yet seen in the Twin Cities, including realistic projections of interiors and fantasy invoking lighting. Community reached was as expected, families, young and old, various ethnic backgrounds, in the artists and audience, primarily Asians with a significant number of Caucasians came to see the show. Outreach through social media and traditional media continues to bring in new audiences each year as well as sustaining ongoing audiences. Continuing efforts with current audiences allow a base of audience each year. In fact continuing audiences are ask to bring in new audiences. By keeping prices at reasonable level audiences found the show very accessible. Two groups grew this year over the last year bringing in new audiences. As result of mailings to senior communities, the show saw an increase in senior groups coming to enjoy this programming. Also due to the unique nature of the programming and great reviews from audiences on opening night, new audiences came from as far away as Rochester Minnesota. In future Chinese American Association of Minnesota Chinese Dance Theater will strive to draw more audiences from these groups. Chinese American Association of Minnesota Chinese Dance Theater will also continue to look for niche groups with interest in Chinese culture and dance. This production introduced group arrangements and pricing options. Increasing audiences through this method is also an option. Chinese American Association of Minnesota Chinese Dance Theater has not changed ticket prices in almost ten years, making it as affordable as can be to audiences. Using the O'Shaughnessy has also allowed many audience members with limited mobility to attend performances. Programming is also intended to appeal to dancers and audience from broad backgrounds with little understanding or immense appreciation for Chinese culture and arts. This year programming was consistent with its programming for 25 years. For dancers the diversity of community also grew, both with geographic and age. Chinese American Association of Minnesota Chinese Dance Theater opened classes in the western Twin Cities suburbs last fall. As result many more dancers than before from the western suburbs were included in the programming. Primarily just starting Chinese dance as children and adults, participation was high in the show with this group as they were integrated into the production. Efforts will continue so that participation by dancers of all abilities can increase.