Asian American Dance Theatre facts for kids
The Asian American Dance Theatre (AADT) was a special group in New York City. It was a non-profit organization that focused on dance. AADT showed traditional Asian dances. It also presented new dances that were inspired by Asian styles. AADT helped create and grow Asian American dance. The group also taught people about different Asian dance forms and cultures. They even had a school where kids and adults could learn dance and art. Eleanor S. Yung started AADT in 1974. Later, in 1987, AADT changed its name to the Asian American Arts Centre (AAAC).
Contents
The Start of Asian American Dance
In the early 1970s, there were not many public dance shows by Asian Americans in New York City. Few dancers were performing traditional Asian dances. People often misunderstood or saw traditional Asian dance as strange. Also, there were not many chances for choreographers to create new Asian American dances.
Founding the AADT
In 1974, Eleanor S. Yung started AADT. It was a place for performances and for creating new Asian American dance works. AADT grew out of the Asian American Dance Workshop. This workshop was part of the Basement Workshop.
Early Performances and Recognition
AADT began its dance season in New York in 1974. It showed dances by Yung and other guest choreographers. AADT performed at many famous places. These included the Riverside Dance Festival and the Pace University Schimmel Center. They also performed at the Dance Theater Workshop.
The AADT shows were written about in major newspapers. These included the New York Times and the NY Post. Dance Magazines and Village Voice also covered their work. Dance critics like Jennifer Dunning and Jack Anderson praised their performances. Yung's famous dance, “Passage,” received great reviews. For her piece “Silk road,” Yung worked with artist Zhang Hong-Tu.
Many talented dancers performed with AADT. Some of these dancers were Marie Alonzo, Tomie Hahn, and Muna Tseng.
Touring Across the United States
During the 1980s, the AADT Traditional Repertoire group went on tour. They performed in many states. These included Texas, Ohio, and Wisconsin. They performed for large crowds, both indoors and outdoors. AADT also performed at Sister Fire in Washington DC. They were also at the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival. The group did a nine-campus tour for the Penn State University system. Dancers on tour included Deena Burton and Sachiyo Ito.
AADT Becomes AAAC
In 1987, AADT changed its name. It became the Asian American Arts Centre (AAAC). The dance season in New York ended in 1990. The community school closed in 1997.
Learning About Asian Arts
AADT created special programs to teach people about Asian dance. These programs were called the Arts in Education program.
Dance Demonstrations and Workshops
AADT started a program for the New York Public School System. They gave lecture demonstrations of traditional Asian dance. These events happened at community centers and public libraries. New professional dancers from Asia joined the traditional dance group. The performers wore full costumes. They talked to students about the dance form, the people, and their culture.
AADT also started an 8-week workshop program. Students could learn Indian Dance and Chinese Dance. The program used special study guides.
Visual Arts and Unique Performances
In 1985, AADT began the Pointed Brush program. This was a visual arts workshop for public school students. Nora Shih led these workshops. The program ran until the late 1980s.
In 1986, AADT started D'Asia Vu. This was a showcase of Asian and Asian-inspired performances. It included puppetry, theater, and mask dances. There was even a dancer on skates performing to the Guzheng.
The first D’Asia Vu show was at the Balinese American Dance Theater. Later, it moved back to the AADT space. Performances included Kuang Yu Fong's "A Day at the Office." Tomie Hahn first performed "Leaf." Bell Yung played the Guqin. The Leela Puppets and East-West Fusion also performed.
AADT's Community School
In 1974, AADT began offering ballet classes for children. These classes were held at the Chatham Square Public Library.
Expanding Class Offerings
In 1976, AADT moved to its own space. They added more classes. These included creative dance and children's art classes. They also offered adult classes. Adults could learn Chinese painting and calligraphy. Other classes included Chinese dance, Jazz, Alexander technique, Jazzercise, tai chi, and ballroom dancing.
Children's classes usually took place on weekends. Adult classes were often in the evenings. The AADT space had a dance studio and an art classroom. AADT held yearly dance recitals for the children. These shows took place at public school PS 124.
See also
