Pacific Youth Troupe offers adopted Asian children cultural opportunities

May 22, 11:26 PMInternational Adoption ExaminerCathy Doheny

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the International Adoption Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

The Pacific Youth Troupe practices curtain call*

The Pacific Youth Troupe is now offering adopted Asian children in the Charlotte area unique cultural opportunities. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing founders, Jaye Li and Sherry Li, about the formation of their nonprofit organization, the Pacific Arts Troupe, and the addition of their Youth Troupe. Please read their inspiring story below.

In 2005, two Bank of America associates, Jaye Li and Sherry Li, were brought together by their love of dance and fashion and their shared vision of increasing appreciation of Asian culture in the Charlotte area. The both felt that there was a particular need here to bring better quality and variety into the existing Asian performing arts being produced locally. In particular, they were passionate about offering audiences a more evolved view of Asian culture.
They felt that it was no longer enough to present the same traditional dances to audiences, so they decided to form their own arts organization dedicated to performing more contemporary pieces. Many of these are actually “fashion dances”, which showcase the costumes as much as the performers. They felt that this updated approach would foster an even greater appreciation of Asian culture.

Jaye and Sherry also felt very passionately about keeping their Chinese heritage alive for the next generation and imparting cultural appreciation to, not just their own children, but all Asian children in Charlotte. They are particularly excited about the prospect of helping to increase cultural awareness in adopted Chinese children by inviting them to participate in the Pacific Youth Troupe, which was added to their organization in 2007. This dance and fashion group is open to all children (boys and girls) ages 4 and up, regardless of race. No audition is necessary to be a member, only a desire to be exposed to more of the Asian culture through dance, fashion, and music, and a commitment to consistently attend rehearsals and performances. There is no cost to members, only a small refundable fee system to insure that children and parents take their commitment to the group seriously. Jaye and Sherry are dedicated to offering this opportunity to our children free of charge by donating their own time, talents, and money to the initiative.

Jaye and Sherry sincerely hope that all adopted Asian children will consider joining the Pacific Youth Troupe. This is an invaluable opportunity for the children, as it allows them to actually participate in the culture through performance, rather than just observing. It’s also a chance for adoptive families to interact with Asian families, which can be crucial to the development of these internationally adopted children.  

*photo - courtesy of Jaye Li

 For more info: please contact Jaye Li at li_jaye@hotmail.com. Catch a performance of two members of the Pacific Youth Troupe, Jade Doheny & Elaine Tang, on May 30 at noon at Children's World of Play at Imaginon in Charlotte