Cupertino Street Dance Event Brings Joy to Spring Days

On the afternoon of last Saturday, April 12, at 2:30 p.m., the plaza in front of Cupertino Library was transformed into a joyful stage where hundreds of residents gathered to participate in the street dance event “Dance in the Plaza” organized by the Cupertino city government and “Amazing Taiwan.”

From children to the elderly, everyone danced to the music, filling the air with laughter and applause, creating a vibrant atmosphere full of spring energy. This free outdoor event, using dance as a bond, connected diverse ethnic groups, promoting healthy living and cultural exchange, leaving behind beautiful memories.

The event was inaugurated by Cupertino Mayor Zhao Liangfang and the President of “Amazing Taiwan” Gao Chunhui. Director Zhuang Yashu from the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center, President Lin Hongda of the Northern California Taiwan Culture and Sports Association, as well as several performance groups (including an Indian group) were present to show their support, showcasing the atmosphere of community integration. Volunteers were busy bustling around, children were running around joyfully, and adults were capturing exciting moments.

Following the opening speech by Mayor Zhao, he expressed in an interview with the Epoch Times that dance brings people together, and this event marks the beginning of a series of activities. In the future, more similar events will be organized, starting with an art exhibition from April 24, combining the collection of historical stories from the city’s 70th anniversary and an artificial intelligence writing workshop, inviting residents to co-create a new chapter for the city.

Gao Chunhui mentioned, “Seeing everyone come together because of dance showcases the vitality of the community!” She fondly talked about her high school friendship with Mayor Zhao and announced the plans for future activities, inviting everyone to participate.

Director Zhuang Yashu praised the event for its vitality, mentioning how dance promotes health and brings people closer. She commended “Amazing Taiwan” for promoting health and human rights and supporting Taiwan’s participation in the WHA initiative. President Lin Hongda praised the event for its enthusiasm and invited everyone to participate in a Taiwanese performance event on May 11 in Redwood City.

Chen Ping, the leader of the Jolly Dance Group, said, “In response to the mayor’s call, we brought exciting performances such as ‘Flashdance,’ ‘Blooming Flowers’, ‘APT.,’ our members have been training for months just to share happiness!”

The event ignited the plaza with a series of spectacular performances, blending Taiwanese sentiments, 1980s retro, Indian flavors, and K-pop trends, showcasing diverse cultures and turning the audience from spectators into participants.

The Jolly Dance Group’s performance, “Brave Taiwan,” was unveiled with a catchy slogan, and the audience enthusiastically responded. Ping’s Team’s rendition of “Flashdance” recreated the 1980s movie craze, with the audience swaying to the music and the atmosphere reaching a peak.

The Jolly Dance Group’s performance of “Foolish Rose” incorporated Taiwanese love songs and interactive movements, sparking laughter. “Nothing Needs to Be Said” used the “wooden people” game to inspire creativity and laughter. Ping’s Team’s “Blooming Flowers” invoked nostalgia with sweet dance steps, akin to a bustling and warm Taiwanese night market.

Leni’s Group presented three Indian dance performances, blending traditional and modern elements, with graceful movements exuding exotic charm. After the event, the leader spontaneously taught steps, and the audience joined in, creating a warm atmosphere of cross-cultural exchanges. The Jolly Dance Group brought a warm interactive performance with “Hug of Love,” while Ping’s Team concluded the event with the popular dance track “APT.,” igniting a frenzy of collective dancing, bringing the event to a perfect close.

A brave little girl took the stage to perform a dance, surprising everyone and bringing joy to the event. Her mother, Mrs. Chen, joyfully shared with a reporter, “My little one loves to dance. She just wanted to watch at first, but she surprised me by taking the stage!”

An unnamed director from the Taipei University Alumni Association who also volunteered at the event remarked, “Dancing and chatting in the sunshine, meeting new friends – this is the charm of our community!”

The organizers expressed their gratitude to the volunteers and groups for their efforts. The members of the Jolly Dance Group are mostly working professionals and students, their months of hard work bringing smiles to everyone. Ping’s Team covers three generations, showcasing vitality across different age groups, while Leni’s Group initiates cultural dialogues through Indian dance.

The volunteers were busy throughout the day, yet their enthusiasm never waned, ensuring the successful completion of the event.

“Dance in the Plaza” linked the diversity and vitality of Cupertino through dance steps. The organizers stated that the enthusiastic response laid the foundation for future activities, continuing the joy and inviting residents to participate, adding vibrant colors to the community. As the event concluded, with sunlight streaming over the plaza, the audience left with smiles on their faces, carrying the happiness imprinted in their dancing hearts. ◇