Chinese youth join with Idaho Falls ballroom team for show

Eighty Chinese high school musicians and dancers are in Idaho Falls this week as part of a cultural exchange. At the Extreme Ballroom studios Wednesday night the two groups rehearsed for a big show this weekend.

It was a different experience for the performers to be in a rehearsal where the choreographers instructions were translated into Chinese. But that didn’t slow down Paul Winkelman, who was an assistant choreographer at two Olympics. He was brought to stage this weekend’s performance. It’s a preview to a performing tour to China scheduled for this summer for the Extreme Ballroom team.

“Music and dance breaks down cultural barriers,” Extreme Ballroom director Stacy Houston said. “We’re able to communicate through music and dance, and just to see youth from different cultures gives you a really good feeling.”

The studio was filled with energy as the two groups learned the steps to their number. It was an impressive experience for the young Chinese visitors who commented on the passion of the American team.

“I am 16 this year, and in my 16 years of life this is the first time I have been that excited,” Chinese dancer Lewis Lin Yixiao said.

Five years ago Extreme Dance performed in China and it was an unforgettable experience.

“They never really loved Americans until they saw us and interacted with us, and when they had a chance to see what real Americans were they just loved Americans,” Houston said.

Friday’s performance at the Civic Auditorium is also a fundraiser to help Extreme Dance members pay for the China trip.

“They perform at ‘Dancing With the Stars’ every year and help raise money for that,” Houston said. “They dance at ‘The Festival of Trees’ every year and help raise money for that, so we hope the community will come and support us.”

The performance is 7 p.m. Friday at the Civic Auditorium in Idaho Falls. Tickets are $8 and are available HERE