Founded in 2006 , Atlanta Asian Culture and Arts Center , Inc (AACAC), a nonprofit, tax exempt organization, aims to develop cultural education，and to create a platform for the understanding and the development of multiculturalism AACAC has been actively involved in numerous community activities and has faithfully served communities since its inception. Major events in which AACAC has participated in include the “Multi Culture Celebrations” hosted by Atlanta City Council and Department of Atlanta Aviation , Asian Pacific American Heritage at Fort Gordon Militarily Base , “Who’s Who in Asian American Communities Award Ceremony” hosted by WWAAC Alliance Foundation , “Asian Heritage Foundation” , “US China Night” hosted by the Chinese Embassy, “Fulton Science Academy Multi Culture Festival , The High Museum Week of China , CDC China Week for Aids In addition , AACAC has made raising funds for children living in poor or natural disastrous areas a long term mission
In 2007 , AACAC started hosting Morning Stars Dance Evening , a grand evening of various dance styles, including classical and contemporary ballet , character dance , jazz, and Chinese traditional and folk dances Over the years, “Morning Stars Dance Evening” has been recognized as one of the most prestigious dance events among Atlanta Asian communities Audience and media have given high praise to the productions for the devotion to dance education and the high standard performances The success of the shows has been attributable to the support of passionate volunteers and generous sponsors. “Morning Stars Dance Evening” shows have not only provided valuable performance opportunities for local dance students but have also helped them to gain invaluable stage experiences The participation of many local schools and organizations helps AACAC to further strengthen a peaceful and harmoniously multicultural community in Atlanta.
Xiao Chen, founder, artistic director and choreographer, graduated from Beijing Dance Academy, China He received the Best Individual Award at the International Ballet Competition in Osaka, Japan in 1991 As a leading dancer, he worked with National Ballet of China and Shanghai Ballet From 1992 to 2003, he was a principal dancer with the Atlanta Ballet For more than twenty years, he played various roles in well over a hundred ballet performances. Throughout his career, he toured many countries and was repeatedly invited as guest dancer by international ballet troupes In 2002, he was invited to dance at the World Ballet Top Performers Event in Seoul, South Korea In 2004, he founded MorningStar Dance Academy of Atlanta (MSDA) With his unique qualifications, e ective training methods, and a vision for ballet education, he is leading MSDA onto the path of success and rapid growth Students of MSDA have successfully performed in numerous events and have been awarded with many international, national and regional top awards from di erent dance competitions including Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition, Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), World Ballet Competition, Universal Ballet Competition (UBC), American Dance Competition, American Ballet Competition, ShowStopper, and International Dance Challenge Xiao Chen received the “Outstanding Teacher” recognition from YAGP in 2013, 2015, 2016,2019,and 2021, and “Outstanding Coach” award from UBC in 2016 and 2022 for his dedication and special contribution to ballet education.
Sherry Cheng, began her ballet training at the Secondary School of Beijing Dance Academy in 2000, and joined Guangzhou Ballet Company in 2007 after graduation She continued her studies at Beijing Dance Academy, focusing on both ballet and dance education from 2010 to 2014 and became a dance faculty at the Art School of Guang Zhou university in 2003. She returned to Beijing Dance Academy again as a graduate student after three years of teaching and received her Masters degree with a concentration in Character Dance in 2019 Sherry served in the judging panel of Asian Elite Dance Competition in 2021 She has won various awards both as a dancer and a choreographer Her honorary awards include “Outstanding Performer” and “Outstanding Choreographer” in “Academy Cup’’ hosted by Beijing Dance Academy, 1st place in the ensemble category of the 6th HuaBei dance competition, and “Best Stage Presentation” in Beijing Dance Competition. During her professional career, she has performed various roles, including Swan Lake, Sylvia, Romeo and Juliet, Sleeping Beauty, Le Corsaire, and Mei Lan Fang In 2012, she performed a leading role in “Outside Window ‘’ directed by artistic director Frank Anderson of Denmark National Ballet Her choreographic pieces include “Dong Huang Impression ‘’ and “Winter Trip” Sherry has also participated in many workshops in Japan, Russia, and various cities of China as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer She teaches ballet, Character, and Chinese dance at MSDA.
Wynne Huo, Born and raised in Atlanta, Wynne Huo began her training at MorningStar Dance Academy at age 10. She attended the Governor’s Honors Program of Georgia in 2013, and graduated from New York University with a Tisch scholarship in 2017. Huo has performed with Crystal Pite’s company Kidd Pivot in Lincoln Center’s White Light Festival, Amy Marshall Dance at New York Live Arts, Cherylyn Lavagnino Dance Company at Alvin Ailey Theater, and O Broadway production Soundstage at HERE Arts Center Outside of performing, Huo assisted the Ballet Tech Foundation, founded by Eliot Feld, by introducing children in New York City to ballet Huo has had many of her choreographies awarded top placements at competitions such as YAGP, UBC, ADC/IBC, and Showstopper. She was awarded UBC Atlanta’s Best Choreography Award in 2022 She teaches ballet and contemporary at MSDA
Hui-Ju Young, received professional training at GinHwa Dance Troupe in Taiwan under the direction of Yong Jia Chen and Si Ya Young She furthered her training and received a certificate in traditional Chinese Dance from the Dance Institute of Central University for Nationalities in China in 1999 She has participated in many dance competitions across Taiwan, mainland China, and Japan. She won first place for both the traditional and classical Chinese dance divisions at the Taiwan National Dance Competition in 2002 and 2003, and the Judges’ Special Award from the Tao Li Cup Dance Competition in 2000 From 2003 to 2004, she toured with the GinHwa Dance Troupe as champion of the Taiwan National Group Dance Competition Ms Young has also been invited to perform as a soloist on di erent occasions She teaches Chinese traditional and folk dances at MSDA
Milan Wang, graduated from the Dance Dept of the PLA Academy of Arts, China and joined the General Political Department Song and Dance Troupe after graduation. During sixteen years with the troupe, she toured many countries and regions, including the United State, Canada, Russian, German, and some countries in Asia and performed at many dancing events, galas, festivals and ceremonies She has also been teaching and choreographing Chinese traditional and folk dances in various dance schools Currently, she teaches Chinese traditional and folk dance at MSDA
Diana Liu, received her early dance training at MorningStar Dance Academy She is currently a student at Georgia Tech and will be graduating this winter She’s been dancing hiphop/Kpop for more than 5 years Diana leads a Georgia Tech Hip Hop team and has performed on various occasions She also posts dances online She teaches KPOP at MSDA
Guest Dancer: Zecheng Liang, received his ballet training at the Guangzhou Art School from 2004 to 2010. He then continued his training with Houston Ballet II from June 2010 to June 2012, and joined Houston Ballet in 2012 as a member of the Corps de Ballet Zecheng joined Philadelphia Ballet as a member of the Corps de Ballet for 2017/2018 Season and was promoted to soloist for the 2018/2019 Season and principal dancer for 2019/2020 Season Throughout his training, Zecheng competed in many competitions, including the 3rd Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition, where he won a GOLD medal in 2015. He was also a 2010 finalist in the Prix de Lausanne and placed 2nd and 3rd (classical) in the 2008 Beijing International competition and 2009 Tao Li Bei competitions respectively. He has danced many principal roles in his career, including Angel Corella’s The Sleeping Beauty (Prince Desire), Swan Lake (Siegfried), Giselle (Albrecht), Don Quixote (Basilio); and La Bayadère (Solor); Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo & Juliet (Romeo); George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® (Cavalier) He also performed in many world premieres: Helen Pickett’s TILT, Russell Ducker’s This Divide, Matthew Neenan’s Deco, Jorma Elo’s Trigger Touch Fade, Juliano Nunes’ Connection, and Garrett Smith’s Reverberance. Zecheng has also performed as a guest artist for Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition Opening Gala; Blue Bird for Ballet Met; The Nutcracker Pas de deux for Southland Ballet Academy and Festival Ballet Theatre He is also a choreographer for Philadelphia Ballet School and has choreographed for N&D Ballet Center and Studio Roxander
Planner : Lily Yong, Xiao Chen
Artistic Director: Xiao Chen
Assistant Artistic Director: Sherry Cheng, Wynne Huo, Hui ju Young, Milan Wang, Lan Zhang
Stage Manager: Weidong Si, Yanyi Chen
Backstage Manager: Susan Duan, Sunny Chen
Assistant Backstage Manager: Tracy Du, Hong Wang
Costume Manager: Xian J Zou, Yang Wang, Qunsi Sheng
Assistant Costume Manager: Yan Shang, Fei He, Eva Chai
Music Editor: Wynne Huo
Lighting Designer: Xiao Chen, Hui-ju Young
Background Designer: Lily Yong Brochure Designer: Emma Yu
Advertise Designer: Ivy Deng
Program/Brochure Editor & Translator: Lan Zhang
Photographer: Xiaoheng Wang, David Deng, Li Shen, Jiang Shan, Xian Wei, Gary Hu, Li Bin, Ming Qin, Charles Ku
Videographer: Peng Wang
Advertising and Reporting: Lucy Zhang, Ming Qin
Host: Ella Liu, Sophia Zhao
AACAC would like to thank following sponsors for their support to Morning Star 2022
UPS, Jasmine Chen’s family (MSDA alumna), Ellie Wong’s family (MSDA alumna), Leilani Tian’s family (MSDA Alumna), Ella Yu’s family, Erin Li’s family
1. Ballet: Morning Stars 芭
:
Instructor: Sherry Cheng, Wynne Huo
Dancer: Level 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A Students of MorningStar Dance Academy
2. Ballet: Pizzicato polka
Instructor: Wynne Huo Dancer: Beginner A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
3. Ballet: Mickey Mouse
Instructor: Wynne Huo Dancer: Level 1A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
4. Children Dance: Beautiful Smiles
Instructor: Hui ju Young Dancer: Level 1C students of MorningStar Dance Academy
5. Ballet: Sound of Music 芭
:
Instructor: Wynne Huo Dancer: Level 2A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
6. Children Dance: Watching TV ⼉童
:
Instructor: Hui ju Young Dancer: Level 2C students of MorningStar Dance Academy
7. Ballet: Little Bird 芭蕾: ⼩⻦
Instructor: Wynne Huo Dancer: Level 3A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
8. Chinese Folk: Sound of Happiness
Instructor: Hui-ju Young Dancer: Level 4A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
9. Ballet Masterpiece Collection:
Instructor: Xiao Chen, Sherry Cheng Variation from <Harlequinade>
Dancer: Mingyang Gong Grand Pas Classique
Dancer: Tristan Lin Variation from <Esmeralda>
Dancer: Ella Mo
10. Ballet: Sailor March
Instructor: Wynne Huo Dancer: Level 5A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
11.Chinese Dai Dance: Chirping of Magpies 中国傣族
:
鹊喳喳喳
Instructor: Hui ju Young， Sherry Cheng Dancer: Level 6A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
12. Ballet: Polka 芭蕾: 波尔卡
Instructor: Sherry Cheng Dancer: Level 2C students of MorningStar Dance Academy
13. Ballet: Salute 芭蕾: 敬礼
Instructor: Wynne Huo Dancer: Level 1C students of MorningStar Dance Academy
14. Contemporary: Flamingos 现代: ⽕烈⻦ Choreographer & Instructor: Wynne Huo Dancer: Level 5A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
15. Children Dance: Little Sunflower ⼉童舞: ⼩⼩太阳花
Instructor: Hui ju Young Dancer: Level 3A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
16. Ballet: Little Swan 芭蕾: ⼩天鹅
Instructor: Wynne Huo，Sherry Cheng Dancer: Level 4A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
17. Ballet Masterpiece Collection: 芭蕾经
Instructor: Xiao Chen, Sherry Cheng Variation from < La Fille Mal Gardee > 变
Dancer: Emily Tan Variation from < Graduation Ball > 变
Dancer: Oliva Ma Variation from <Coppelia> 变
Dancer: Skylar Reeve
:
18. Chinese Folk: Flying Seagulls 中国⺠
组舞
:
翔
Instructor: Hui ju Young Dancer: Level 5A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
19. Ballet: Doll Waltz 芭蕾:
兹
Instructor: Wynne Huo, Sherry Cheng Dancer: Level 6A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
20.Children Dance: Beautiful Smiles
Instructor: Hui-ju Young Dancer: Level 1A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
21. Children Dance: Watching TV
Instructor: Hui ju Young Dancer: Level 2A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
22.Collection: 组
Instructor: Chen Xiao, Sherry Cheng, Wynne Huo
Contemporary: Poetry in Colors
Choreographer: Chiaki Yasukawa Dancer: Amy Liu Dulcinea Variation from <Don Quixote>
Dancer: Yunxin Lin Candy Cane from <Nutcracker>
Dancer: special training students Level M students of MorningStar Dance Academy Intersection (10 min)
23. Ballet: Pizzicato polka
Instructor: Wynne Huo Dancer: Beginner D students of MorningStar Dance Academy
Ballet: Mickey Mouse
Instructor: Wynne Huo Dancer: Beginner B students of MorningStar Dance Academy
Ballet:
Instructor: Wynne Huo Dancer: Level 1B students of MorningStar Dance Academy
Dance:
Instructor: Milan Wang Dancer: Level 2B students of MorningStar Dance Academy
Ballet:
Instructor: Wynne Huo Dancer: Level
Chinese Classical:
of MorningStar Dance Academy
Instructor: Milan Wang Dancer: Level 4B students of MorningStar Dance Academy
29. Ballet: Ocean and Pearls 芭
Instructor: Sherry Cheng Dancers: Level 6B students of MorningStar Dance Academy
30.Ballet Masterpiece Collection:
Instructor: Xiao Chen, Sherry Cheng Variation from < La Fille Mal Gardee >
Dancer: Kelly Zhong Variation from <Paquita> 芭
Dancer: Amber Chen, Elynn Nie, Sarah Shikhel
31. Chinese Dai Dance: A beautiful Girl in Yunnan
Instructor: Hui-ju Young Dancer: Sophia Zhao
32. Contemporary: Ritual 现代
Choreographer & Instructor: Wynne Huo Dancer: Level 6B students of MorningStar Dance Academy
33. Ballet: Bull Fighting 芭蕾:
⼠
Instructor: Xiao Chen, Sherry Cheng Dancer: Level 8A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
34 KPOP: Pink Venom 粉红
Instructor: Diana Liu Dancer: KPOP students of MorningStar Dance Academy
35. Contemporary: Typewriter 现
Choreographer & Instructor: Wynne Huo Dancer: Level 6A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
36. Children Dance: Doll and Little Bear
Instructor: Milan Wang Dancer: Level 1B students of MorningStar Dance Academy
37. Ballet: Tick Tock Clock
Instructor: Wynne Huo Dancer: Level 2B students of MorningStar Dance Academy
38. Chinese Folk: Handkerchief Dance
Instructor: Milan Wang Dancer: Level 3B students of MorningStar Dance Academy
39. Ballet: Little Swan 芭
Instructor: Wynne Huo，Sherry Cheng Dancer: Level 4B students of MorningStar Dance Academy
40.Ballet: Chinese Tea form <Nutcracker>
Dancers: Special Training Level L Students of MorningStar Dance Academy
41. Contemporary: Serpentine 现
Choreographer & Instructor: Wynne Huo Dancer: Level 8A students of MorningStar Dance Academy
42. Chinese Folk: Flower Lanterns
Instructor: Milan Wang
Dancer: Level 6B students of MorningStar Dance Academy
43. Chinese Contemporary: Beautiful Green Lotus
Instructor: Milan Wang Dancer: Level 8B students of MorningStar Dance Academy
Instructor: Xiao Chen, Sherry Cheng, Wynne Huo
1. Ballet: Pizzicato
Dancer: Shuhan Wen
2. Ballet:
3. Ballet:
Bird>
Dancer: Alice Huang, Avery Liang
Dancer: Alysha Wu
4. Ballet: <Paquita>
Dancer: Alexandra Jiang, Jialin Wang, Isabell Zhong
5. Ballet: <La Fille Mal
Dancer: Mingyang Gong, Sarah Shikhel
6. Ballet: <Paquita>
Dancer: Crystal Zhen
7. Ballet:
Dancer: Alisa Chen
8. Ballet: Medora from
Corsaire>
Dancer: Lily Deng
9. Contemporary: Drift of
Choreographer: Wynne Huo Dancer: Erin Ding
10. Ballet:
Tristan Lin
Dancer: Sophia
12. Ballet:
Dancer: Minori de Silva
13. Ballet: <Fairy Doll>
Dancer: Sarah Shikhel
14. Ballet: Polka
Dancer: Shuhan Wen, Jadee Weng
15. Ballet: <Talisman>
Dancer: Amy Liu, Sophia Zhan
16. Ballet: Kitri from <Don Quixote> Act
Dancer: Alyssa wangtie
17. Ballet: Kitri from <Don Quixote> Act
Dancer: Ella Yu
18. Contemporary: Flechazo 现
Choreographer: Wynne Huo Dancer: Katherine (Ivy) Yang
19. Ballet: Gamzatti from <La Bayadere - Variation>
Dancer: Angela Zhu
20.Contemporary: Set in Motion
Choreographer: Chiaki Yasukawa Dancer: Maria Tian
21. Ballet: Cupid from <Don Quixote>
Dancer: Isabella Xu
Dancer: Olivia
Ballet: Act
Dancer: Alexandra
from
Sarah
Iris Chen: Eleven years at Morning Star. Wow, I feel old. Home is the word that pops out of my mind when I hear “Morningstar”. It is the place I find the most comfort after a long day at school I’ve met my long term friends, who are family, and the best teachers in the world Growing up in this lovely community brought the best out of me I’m not the greatest dancer here, but I still love the journey I’ve learned to be confident, strong, hardworking, and be me The pain from my numb toes after long dancing was always brushed o by the overpowering support from each teacher. Dance allows me to express myself freely.
It’s not just an art, it’s a life skill. Our family learned how to be a team, be responsible, and be determined We learn the best skills from every teacher Remember that no matter how much they discipline you, it’s because they see the potential in you They want you to be the best
I’ll always be thankful for MrChen, MrsLilly, Ms Sherry, MsWynne, Yang Lao Shi, and Mrs Wang They gave me the best moral support to keep dancing Thanks for everything you ’ ve done for me!
Once a Morningstar, always a MorningStar!
Cindy Fu: I am so grateful for the past ten years I have spent at MorningStar. It has helped me grow as a person through the many hours I have spent dancing Through MorningStar, I have found an appreciation for dance as an art form and how physically challenging and rewarding it is For me, dance is a way to unwind from outside pressures; I am grateful to MorningStar for helping me realize this
Kaylyn Zhong: Dance has been my best friend and my love for the past 15 years From obstacles and hardships over the years, dance has taught me perseverance and passion But without the unending warmth and support from my MorningStar family, I would have never been able to experience the true freedom of this beautiful art form Thank you to Mr Chen, Ms Sherry, Ms Wynne, Mrs. Lily, and all my dance friends for always believing in and challenging me to develop myself as an artist and leader in the community. I am forever grateful for the home MorningStar has provided me to nurture my pursuits in dance and beyond
MSDA students have competed at various regional, national and international dance competitions including Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), World Ballet Competition (WBC), Universal Ballet Competition (UBC), Valentina Kozlova International Ballet Competition, American Dance Competition, American Ballet Competition, National Ballet Competition, Showstopper, International Dance Challenge, and Stage One National Dance Competition Students have also qualified and won many top awards at various age groups from prestigious professional ballet competitions, including Prix de Lausanne , Helsinki International Ballet Competition, and Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition (IBCC) Past honors include Top Three and the Hope award in YAGP regionals, 3rd place and the “Shelly King Award” from YAGP international finals , 1st placee in WBC international finals , Legend Award and Rising Star Award in UBC , prizewinners (bronze award and special award) of IBCC. Besides recognitions received for individual dancers the Academy’s ensemble pieces have also won multiple first places in YAGP WBC UBC ADC and Showstopper etc MSDA was invited to perform its ensemble pieces “Jasmine” and “Water Lily” in the YAGP International Final Gala in 2014 and 2020 , respectively Consequently, students have received full scholarships to many top professional ballet schools such as American Ballet School , The Royal Ballet School , Bolshoi Ballet Academy, English National Ballet Princess Grace Academy of Classical Dance Boston Ballet School Ballet West Joffrey Ballet School and more
Over the years, MSDA received the “Most Outstanding School” award at the YAGP regional competition in 2014 , 2017 , 2018 , 2020 , and 2022 , and also at the WBC finals in 2022 for its consistent superior quality in performance Mr Chen received the “Outstanding Teacher” award in 2013 , 2015 , 2016 , 2019 , and 2021 from YAGP regional for his dedication and special contribution to ballet education , He was also awarded Outstanding Coach by Universal Ballet Competition in 2016 and 2022 Another one of the Academy’s faculty, Wynne Huo , received the “Best Choreographer” award Subsequently, MSDA has become well known in the nation
Students at MSDA are offered many performance opportunities throughout the year Besides the annual Morning Stars Dance Evening shows the Academy receives frequent invitations to perform in community festivals and celebrations In 2016 , forty nine students were invited to perform “Jasmine Flower at the Chinese New Years Gala in Beijing hosted by China Central Television The show reached over 900 million viewers globally Three students were invited to perform in “Amazing Kids’’ a TV show hosted by Hunan Television in 2017 In 2019 twenty five students performed “Water Lily”’ at “Beyond Show” , a TV talent show hosted by Jiangsu Television MSDA has also performed renowned ballet productions such as Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake , and Paquita that create valuable opportunities for students to gain stage experience and confidence in multiple aspects of their lives
Address: 10475 Medlock Bridge Road , Suite 515 , Johns Creek , GA 30097 Telephone: 678-471-9666/678-516 3026 E Mail: info.msda@morningstardance.com Website: www.morningstardance.com
Founded in 2004 , MorningStar Dance Academy of Atlanta (MSDA) offers high quality training in classical ballet , pointe, contemporary dance , jazz, character dance , Chinese traditional and folk dance , and Kpop. The founder and artistic director of MSDA is Mr. Chen Xiao , a former professional dancer with almost thirty years of experience performing and teaching and a recipient of the top award at the International Ballet Competition in Osaka Japan The Academy’s teaching methods offer students an age appropriate, challenging, and enjoyable program that combines personal enrichment with technical preparation for professional work Ballet • Pointe • Chinese Dance