The 2026 United States Taiwan Traditional Week Visiting Delegation, last Sunday, May 10th, held a grand performance at the Fox Theater in Redwood City, California, attracting approximately a thousand mainstream American audience and overseas compatriots to enjoy the show. The dance department of the National Taiwan University of Sport presented an exciting 80-minute performance themed “Seeing Taiwan, We Are Taiwan,” showcasing the cultural vitality of Taiwan intertwining traditional and modern elements through dance, music, and singing, receiving continuous applause from the audience.
The performance integrated elements from various ethnic groups such as Minnan, Hakka, and indigenous peoples, portraying Taiwan’s beliefs, resilience, warmth, and spirit of mutual assistance. The energetic and enthusiastic performance of the young dancers not only lifted the atmosphere but also deeply touched many spectators.
Former Vice Chairman of the California Republican Party, Guo Zongzheng, shared his emotional experience during the show, mentioning how he was moved to tears when the “shovel hero” scene was presented on stage. He praised the performance for demonstrating the spirit of mutual support among Taiwanese, similar to the American spirit of helping each other without expecting anything in return.
Guo Zongzheng also pointed out the similarities between Taiwanese and Chinese people in terms of culture and beliefs, expressing his hope that such cultural performances can bridge the gap between individuals through emotions and culture. He emphasized the importance of protecting our homeland and working together to achieve greater things.
A viewer of Indian descent, Raee Dasnurkar, studying Chinese at a Silicon Valley Chinese school, expressed her deep impression of watching a Taiwan dance troupe performance for the first time. She shared her love for Taiwan’s cuisine, culture, and human warmth after visiting the country.
Taiwanese second-generation Kevin Ge praised the professionalism of the performance, noting its higher quality compared to most modern dance shows he had seen before. He appreciated the strong Taiwan characteristics displayed in the performance, along with its high acceptance among Western audiences, particularly impressed by the dancers’ swift and precise movements, elaborate costumes, and overall stage production.
The President of the Northern California Taiwan Culture and Sports Association (TCSA), Jiang Yuanshin, highlighted the association’s long-term commitment to building bridges between Taiwan and Silicon Valley. She mentioned that many of the dance troupe students were students of Taiwan’s Lin Xiangxiu, who had studied and lived in the United States for years. This meaningful Taiwan-US artistic heritage invited two of Lin’s mentors to witness the event.
Dr. Fu Hongyu, the founder of the Cultural and Art Association, praised the performance of the National Taiwan Sport University dance troupe, acknowledging the students’ hard work and dedication to presenting the best dance to the audience. She expressed gratitude towards the performers for their efforts.
Representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco and the South Bay Overseas Education Center also attended the event. The director of the office, Wu Zhixiang, highlighted how the “shovel hero” performance exemplified the spirit of mutual assistance among Taiwanese, showcasing their kindness and willingness to help others globally. He expressed his admiration for the young dancers who interpreted familiar Taiwanese music and cultural memories through dance, passing on the understanding and heritage of Taiwan’s spirit to the younger generation.
Chuang Yashu, from the South Bay Overseas Education Center, mentioned the presence of multiple mayors and council members at the event, symbolizing the strengthening Taiwan-US relations. She hoped that through such cultural activities, more people could get to know Taiwan’s diverse, lively, and creative side.
Advisory council member Li Hanwen praised the impressiveness of the performance, noting the high international standard showcased by the National Taiwan Sport University dance troupe. Each dancer’s dedication and the blend of Taiwanese cultural significance with modern stage design deeply moved her.
The head of the visiting delegation, Pan Lijun, described how the students gave their all on stage, fueled by the enthusiastic response from the audience. She mentioned that in celebration of Mother’s Day, the students changed their musical selection during the curtain call to perform “All Mothers Are the Same,” and prepared carnations to thank the overseas compatriots for their care and support.
Pan Lijun emphasized that the visit was not only for cultural exchange but also aimed to broaden the students’ international perspective. Through the creativity of the youth, she hoped to showcase Taiwan’s vibrant, innovative side to American and Canadian audiences, allowing them to feel the warmth from their Taiwanese homeland.
Dancer Yang Wengen expressed her joy in performing in the United States for the first time, noting the differences between performing in the U.S. and Taiwan. She felt happy interacting closely with the audience, experiencing the enthusiastic atmosphere firsthand. Excitement and emotion overtook her nerves as she focused on bringing her passion to the audience, regardless of the outcome.