Arts festival gathers international teens

LOS ANGELES — The 2018 International Cultural Angel Arts Festival was held in Los Angeles, which saw children from China, the United States and Mexico perform in a gala show to celebrate the event on Aug 19.

The Win-Win International Youth Culture and Arts Development Association, the host of the event, has organized a variety of SinoAmerican youth cultural exchange programs that blend artistic and cultural elements to promote respect and understanding among its participants.

“This is the third year for us to organize the event, and this year we have had more than 150 participants from China, the US and Mexico,” says Susan Zhou from the association.

Hundreds of children and teenagers and their families gathered at Rosemead High School, Los Angeles, and enjoyed performances of dancing, Chinese martial arts and Peking Opera.

“I feel that the event here is very inspirational for a lot of kids,” says audience member, Jerry.

“It’s a good educational program for them to get excited about doing something for their future.”

The event also provided the children and teenagers taking part with the chance to enhance their cross-cultural understanding and develop their onstage talents.

“I’m not used to being in front of crowds, but I’m really happy about it too because it helps me to open up,” says Alexis Guarez, who performed a dance at the show.

Many children took to the stage to show off their musical abilities by playing the piano, cucurbit flute or horsehead fiddle.

Zhou Ciyin, a 17-year-old girl who has been playing the violin for 13 years, says participating in the event had helped her to improve her skills and enrich her knowledge of different cultures.