Dance Beyond Borders: 2025–2026 Taoli World Dance Competition North America Finals Celebrate Chinese Dance Excellence in Irvine
IRVINE, Calif. — The 2025–2026 Taoli World Dance Competition North America Finals, presented by the Pan America Chinese Dance Alliance (PACDA), successfully concluded with an awards ceremony on August 2 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre following two days of competition held July 31–August 1.
The three-day celebration brought together hundreds of talented dancers, distinguished educators, choreographers, scholars, and community leaders from across the United States and Canada, showcasing the beauty, depth, and evolving spirit of Chinese dance on an international stage.
More than a competition, the Taoli World Dance Competition serves as a global platform dedicated to artistic excellence, cultural preservation, dance education, and international exchange. Through performance, scholarship, and mentorship, the competition continues to inspire the next generation of dancers while promoting greater appreciation of Chinese dance worldwide.
This year’s finalists competed in Chinese classical dance, Chinese folk dance, contemporary Chinese dance, ballet, and contemporary dance across children, youth, and adult divisions. Their performances reflected both technical mastery and a deep connection to cultural heritage, demonstrating the continued growth and vitality of Chinese dance in North America.
International Jury Showcases Global Expertise
The competition featured an internationally renowned jury of dance educators, choreographers, and performing artists from China, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
The jury was chaired by Professor Pan Zhitao, a leading Chinese dance educator, professor at the Beijing Dance Academy, graduate advisor, and founder of China’s renowned Taoli Cup Dance Competition.
The distinguished panel included experts such as Xu Wenqi, senior expert at the Affiliated Secondary School of Beijing Dance Academy; Dr. Erdong Hu, President of PACDA and Professor Emeritus at Bucknell University; Professor Wang Tong, Associate Professor of Dance at the University of California, Irvine; Yang Na, senior lecturer at the Beijing Dance Academy; Professor Huang Yihua, professor and graduate advisor at the Beijing Dance Academy; Luo Wanlin, Taoli Cup award recipient and President of the Beijing Dance Academy Alumni Association in the United Kingdom; and Lorenzo Guerrini, choreographer and professional dancer with Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company in New York.
The international jury highlighted the competition’s professional standards while providing participants with valuable artistic guidance and opportunities for cross-cultural exchange.
Beyond Competition: Building a Future for Chinese Dance
In addition to the performances, PACDA hosted the PACDA Wudao Forum, Multicultural Master Workshop, alumni exchange activities, and the launch of the Li Chen Fellowship for Chinese Dance Studies.
These programs expanded the event beyond competition, creating a comprehensive platform connecting performance, education, academic research, and talent development. PACDA continues to build an international ecosystem that supports the preservation, innovation, and global advancement of Chinese dance.
Community Leaders Celebrate Cultural Achievement
The August 2 awards ceremony welcomed elected officials, arts leaders, educators, and community representatives from across Orange County.
Guests included Scotty Hong, Executive Assistant to Irvine Mayor Larry Agran and Commissioner of the Irvine Sustainability Commission, and Former Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan. Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai, who was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict, sent his congratulations and best wishes to the organizers and participants.
U.S. Representative Dave Min presented a Congressional Certificate recognizing the Pan America Chinese Dance Alliance (PACDA) for its ongoing commitment to advancing Chinese dance, promoting international cultural exchange, fostering multicultural engagement, and serving the community through the performing arts.
Additional guests included Patrick Brien, President and CEO of Arts Orange County; noted educator Professor Xia Dingruo; and Lei Wang, recipient of the 2026 California State Assembly Asian Pacific Islander Leadership Award, Chairman of the Jingchu Culture Foundation of America, and Vice President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the China General Chamber of Commerce USA.
Guests congratulated the dancers, instructors, and organizers, recognizing the Taoli World Dance Competition as an important platform for cultural preservation, artistic development, and global exchange.
A Vision of Cultural Confidence Through Dance
Cheer Pan, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Pan America Chinese Dance Alliance, said the growth of Chinese dance overseas has been remarkable over the past decades.
“Chinese dance overseas is very different from what it was when I first arrived in the United States 30 years ago. We are encouraged to see Chinese dance increasingly recognized, appreciated, and embraced on international stages.”
She emphasized that the mission of the Taoli World Dance Competition is to provide a professional platform that preserves the artistic standards, educational traditions, and unique identity of Chinese dance.
“Cultural exchange does not mean giving up our own identity to meet someone else’s standards. It means confidently sharing our cultural values while respecting and appreciating others.”
“We hope the next generation will not only confidently participate in the world, but also better understand and cherish their own cultural heritage through Chinese dance. True internationalization is not becoming someone else — it is having the confidence to be yourself on the world stage.”
Founded in 2017 by Professor Pan Zhitao and the Pan America Chinese Dance Alliance, the Taoli World Dance Competition has grown into an influential international platform for Chinese dance outside China. Through competitions, educational programs, academic initiatives, and cultural partnerships, PACDA continues to connect artists and communities while bringing the beauty and spirit of Chinese dance to audiences around the world.
