Cultural Exchange Tours

The PDC Curriculum Includes Cultural Exchange Tours to China, which, in the past, have offered dance exchanges with both professional and amateur dance institutions in Hong Kong, Kunming, Beijing, Mongolia, Shandong, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Guangzhou. In addition, during the summer of 1994, PDC was invited to perform at an international dance conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the Showcase Event.

The cultural exchange tours enable PDC dancers to not only visit both professional and amateur dance academies but also provide a first-hand experience of the dances and culture of China. Some of the institutions visited include the noted Beijing Dance Academy, Central Nationalities University, Kunming Art Academy and the Mongolian Art Institute.

Welcomers at each exchange location are eager to both share what they know and learn about their far-travelling visitors. In Shanghe of Shandong Province, the entire village came out to greet the Hawai'i entourage and a cast of over 100 dancers performed an exciting series of Shangdong Guzi Yangge (Shangdong Drum Dance).

Testimonials:

"China truly changed the way I look at life, friendship, and dance... I found my love for dance without any outside influences hindering me from performing my best... " Emma G., 17 years old

"Not only did I learn about my culture, but I got to spend a whole two weeks with amazing people who made it so much fun. It made me feel more confident to do many more different things and enjoying them as well." Jessica C., 16 years old

"Taking part in the 2010 trip to China was a great experience for me as a dancer. While viewing the students at the dance academies, I got to see what they did in order to make their dances come to life and how to prefect their movements." Meimei L., 13 years old