Dancer Profiles
Yoshier Hu
Yoshier joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada at the age of 5, and completed the Chinese Dance Graded Examination Syllabus with outstanding results. She is a multiple-time Academy scholarship recipient, and was twice recognized with the Cindy Yang Excellence Award and the Inspirational Award. Since 2014, she has competed in the U.S. Dance Magic, Peak Invitational, Surrey Festival of Dance, Dance Power Competition, among others, winning numerous first place awards. Among these achievements, her solo dance "Melancholic Memories” won first place and Judge’s Special Award, demonstrating her strong technical foundation and artistic expressiveness. In 2025, she was officially certified for participating in the "Xunli" Classical Chinese Dance Training Program - Water Sleeves Dance course.
Lisa Wang
Lisa started dancing at the age of four and has earned the highest level of certification for the Beijing Dance Academy Chinese Dance Graded Examination.
She has won multiple awards at events including the China-Japan International Youth Arts Festival and Surrey Festival of Dance, and she has received the Cindy Yang Excellence Award and Outstanding Progress Award at the Academy. Lisa has been officially certified for participating in the "Xunli" Classical Chinese Dance Training Program and currently assists in instructing the Grade 1, 3, 5, 6, and 8 classes at the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada.
Winnie Liu
Winnie has been learning Chinese dance since the age of 3 and joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy in 2014. She began the Chinese Dance Syllabus Examination Syllabus at the age of 4 and has completed Grade 13.
She participated in many opportunities that the Academy offered such as the "Xunli" Chinese Classical Dance Training program, allowing her to learn more about Chinese dance techniques and minorities. At CYDA, Winnie’s award achievements include the Director's Choice award for the group dance “Blossom” at the Spotlight Dance Cup, and First Place for the trio dance “Jiangnan” at Surrey Festival of Dance.
Angela Xiao
Angela was introduced to dance in 2013, when she first learned ballet. After watching Soul of Dance 2018, she decided to begin learning Chinese dance in 2019. Growing up, Angela has always been interested in traditional Chinese culture, so being able to learn about different ethnic groups’ unique styles in dance is a very special experience for her. To Angela, the people in her class are not just classmates, but also friends who share little things and hang out with each other during their spare time. Angela has won the Director’s Choice Award at the Spotlight Dance Cup for the group dance "Blossom", and First Place with the trio dance “Jiangnan” at the Surrey Festival of Dance. Dancing has become a very important part of Angela’s life that is always worth looking forward to, whether that is regular class time or performance opportunities.
Karlie Peng
Karlie joined Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada in 2021 and has been dancing since the age of 5. She began Chinese Dance Graded Examinations at the age of nine and completed Grade 13 of the syllabus. Since joining the Academy, Karlie has gained immense experience from competitions like the Surrey Festival of Dance and Spotlight Dance Cup in the USA. She has won Judges Choice Award from her trio “Jiangnan” as well as the Outstanding Category and Director's Choice Award for the group dance “Melodies of the Prairies” at Spotlight Dance Cup. Throughout her time at CYDA, Karlie's best memories will always be with her fellow peers. Her most memorable performances are “Dance Forever” and “Soul of Dance”, where she truly displayed her skills, commitment, and passion for dance with others.
Vivian Kam
Vivian joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy in 2022 and has been learning Chinese dance since the age of 4. Before moving to Canada, Vivian trained at the Hong Kong Dance Company and she was a main force in the school dance team. Not only did she learn various Chinese folk dances, but also Latin, Indian, belly dance, among others. After moving to Canada, she has been continuing her dance journey and completed Grade 13 of the Chinese Dance Graded Examinations. Her achievements in dance also include hip hop, as she develops skills on various competitive teams. Vivian’s passion for dance is quite apparent as she explores the various different types of dance in traditional and contemporary ways. She is honoured to be a part of the Academy and she cannot wait to create more amazing memories with her lovely teammates!
Amber Song
Amber began dance at the age of 3 and joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy in 2022. In China, she was part of dance clubs in both kindergarten and elementary school, where her love for performing first blossomed. After moving to Canada, Amber continued her dance journey at the Academy where her experience has been nothing short of amazing. Over the past few years, she has participated in numerous performances and competitions, each one contributing to her joy and growth as a dancer. At the Academy, Amber has formed lasting friendships with others who share her passion for dance. She feels incredibly fortunate to be part of a warm and supportive community where the teachers provide professional instruction in class while being respectful peers outside of class. Amber is excited to continue growing and exploring new opportunities in her dance career.
Sophie Han
Sophie joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy in 2022 and was first introduced to Chinese dance in 2014. In 2015, Sophie began her ballet journey, where she participated in RAD ballet exams, and developed her dance fundamentals. During her time at the Academy until now, Sophie has learned a lot about Chinese dance. She has not only learned the fundamental postures, movements, and steps from Chinese classical and folk dance, but also the unique cultures and dance styles of the many Chinese ethnic minorities. At the beginning of 2024, Sophie also had the privilege to participate in the "Xunli" Chinese Classical Dance Training Program where she learned combinations that provided her with more in-depth understanding of Chinese dance.
Jessica Liang
Jessica began her dance journey at the age of 4 at the Cindy Yang Dance Academy, and had remarkable growth in the past decade. At the age of 6, she won the overall championship at the U.S. Dance Magic Competition. By age 8, she had achieved outstanding results at international dance competitions in Singapore, Japan, China and Malaysia. Over ten years of dance have not only sharpened her stage skills, but also enriched her life with invaluable experiences and friendships. Jessica has participated in many performances and charity events, amassing numerous awards. She also completed Grade 13 of the Chinese Dance Graded Examinations with excellence. Under Ms. Yang’s guidance, she has developed a spirit of perseverance and continual improvement. Joining the Academy has truly been a life changing experience, and she is grateful for all the opportunities and support along the way.
Isabella Li
Isabella has been with the Cindy Yang Dance Academy since she was ten years old. She was inspired after watching the "Soul of Dance" performance and called in the next day to join the Academy in dancing. Since joining the Academy, she has completed Grade 13 of the Chinese Dance Examinations. Isabella loves the friends in her class and the memories with them she has gathered from performances and competitions locally in Vancouver to internationally in the USA. Throughout her experience at the Academy, she enjoys the various costume and makeup experiences that come along with dancing and she aspires to continue to have dance as an aspect in her life.
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Katherine Koh
Katherine joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy in 2019 after previously studying ballet and completing the RAD vocational Intermediate Exam in 2018. Since then, she has completed the Grade 13 of Chinese Dance Graded Examinations. Her passion in dance started at Academy where her mother, Christy danced. Katherine wanted to branch out to try new styles, ultimately coming back to Chinese dance and its beauty. Throughout the years, she performed in the Nutcracker with Goh Ballet, and competed in the Festival du Ballet, Surrey Festival of Dance, and Chilliwack Dance Festival, winning numerous awards and scholarships. Katherine has gone to various international and local competitions with the Academy including “Melodies of the Prairies” at US Spotlight Dance Cup. She has enjoyed learning many different styles of Chinese dance with her favourites being, “Black and White”, “Eternal”, and “Blossom”.
Christy Chow
Christy joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy in the inception year of 1990 and was part of the first winning dances “The White Peacock” and “Chinese Girls”. In 1996, Christy auditioned and was accepted into the SFU Contemporary Dance Program as well as the Business Program. For her year, she was the only candidate with a background in Chinese dance and not ballet. She was working on both degrees in the first 2 years, eventually graduating with a Business degree in Finance for career planning. Upon graduation, Christy focused on her professional career. She is a Private Wealth Manager with UBS Canada. In 2023, Christy returned to the dance studio with her dance shoes and started training with the adult class after over 10 years of being away.
Emma Zhou
Emma has been training in the art of dance since she was 5 and joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy in 2018. She has always been interested in dance, and even at a young age, she has always aspired to become skilled in the craft. Ever since then, she has been training and working hard to be better and to understand Chinese dance. Currently in Grade 13 of the Chinese Dance Graded Examination Syllabus, Emma received her first certification at 6 years old. She participates in every opportunity that the Academy offers, including performing in community centres, local festivals, global events and much more. She hopes to continue training and perfecting herself, and to spread knowledge of Chinese dance to the world.
Elena Kwan
Isabella has been with the Cindy Yang Dance Academy since she was ten years old. She was inspired after watching the "Soul of Dance" performance and called in the next day to join the Academy in dancing. Since joining the Academy, she has completed Grade 13 of the Chinese Dance Examinations. Isabella loves the friends in her class and the memories with them she has gathered from performances and competitions locally in Vancouver to internationally in the USA. Throughout her experience at the Academy, she enjoys the various costume and makeup experiences that come along with dancing and she aspires to continue to have dance as an aspect in her life.
Jane Wu
Katherine joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy in 2019 after previously studying ballet and completing the RAD vocational Intermediate Exam in 2018. Since then, she has completed the Grade 13 of Chinese Dance Graded Examinations. Her passion in dance started at Academy where her mother, Christy danced. Katherine wanted to branch out to try new styles, ultimately coming back to Chinese dance and its beauty. Throughout the years, she performed in the Nutcracker with Goh Ballet, and competed in the Festival du Ballet, Surrey Festival of Dance, and Chilliwack Dance Festival, winning numerous awards and scholarships. Katherine has gone to various international and local competitions with the Academy including “Melodies of the Prairies” at US Spotlight Dance Cup. She has enjoyed learning many different styles of Chinese dance with her favourites being, “Black and White”, “Eternal”, and “Blossom”.
Vivian Yang
Christy joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy in the inception year of 1990 and was part of the first winning dances “The White Peacock” and “Chinese Girls”. In 1996, Christy auditioned and was accepted into the SFU Contemporary Dance Program as well as the Business Program. For her year, she was the only candidate with a background in Chinese dance and not ballet. She was working on both degrees in the first 2 years, eventually graduating with a Business degree in Finance for career planning. Upon graduation, Christy focused on her professional career. She is a Private Wealth Manager with UBS Canada. In 2023, Christy returned to the dance studio with her dance shoes and started training with the adult class after over 10 years of being away.
Ronnie Jiang
Ronnie (Veronica) joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy at the age of five. Over the years, she has been taking lessons to improve and expand her knowledge of Chinese dance and she is currently Grade 13 of the Chinese Dance Examination Syllabus. At the Academy, Ronnie has performed on various occasions, such as at bi-annual “Soul of Dance” and “Dance Forever” productions and performances at the PNE, Richmond Night Market, and Vancouver Water Splashing Festival. In addition to performances, she has also had the opportunity to participate in various competitions. Some of her dance awards include the High Mark Trophy at the 2024 Dance Power Competition for her group dance “Violet Beauty” and a First Place Trophy at the 2023 Surrey Festival of Dance for her group dance “Yi Girls of the Zi Xi Mountains”.
Stephanie Zhang
Stephanie began her journey in Chinese dance at the age of four, inspired by a school performance. From that moment, her passion for dance continued to grow, motivating her to attend training consistently. In 2020, at the age of nine, she joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada. Now nearing the completion of Grade 13 in the Chinese Dance Graded Examination Syllabus, Stephanie has made remarkable progress in her technique, particularly in achieving a balance between strength and grace. Through the Academy, she has gained invaluable performance experience, including participating in the US Spotlight Dance Cup, performing "Red Sleeves". These opportunities have strengthened her stage confidence and allowed her to share the beauty of traditional Chinese dance, inspiring other children to explore this art form.
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Iris Zheng
Iris joined the Cindy Yang Dance Academy of Canada in 2019. She immigrated to Canada in 2018, having previously lived in Shanghai. Iris began dancing from a young age with the goal of becoming more graceful and flexible. Over the years, she has explored various dance styles, including hip-hop. She began learning basic dance techniques along with Chinese classical and ethnic minorities dances. She also participated in the Chinese Dance Graded Examination Syllabus and is currently in Grade 13. With the Academy, she has had the opportunity to perform in several shows and events, including performances at locations such as the Pacific National Exhibition. Iris is especially grateful for the patience and guidance of her teachers, who takes the time to enlighten and teach her at a pace that she can follow.
Carina Xiao
Carina has been studying Chinese dance since the age of six. She began her training at DongFangHe Dance Academy in China and earned her first certificate for the Chinese Dance Graded Examination at the age of eight. After moving to Canada in 2019, she joined Cindy Yang Dance Academy at the age of nine. Since then, she has continued to advance in her training and is currently in Grade 13 of the Chinese Dance Graded Examination Syllabus. Carina enjoys learning dances from various Chinese ethnic minorities and performing on stage, and she aspires to continue improving her skills and artistry in Chinese dance.
