85 mins Mandarin, Cantonese
SYNOPSIS
The 92-year-old previous nightclub dancer Coby Yee decides to get back on stage again after joining the senior dance troupe Grant Avenue Follies. Together they go on a tour for the last time, bridging once isolated Chinese communities in the US, Cuba and China.
“A meditation on arts as memory” – Asian American Arts Alliance
THE EVENT
On Sunday 27th September, the art of dance performance will weave the stories of two Chinese communities – from West Coast America to East London, UK – for a special one-off event. Join us at the East and Southeast Asian Community Centre for a screening of Chinatown Cha-Cha (2024), directed by Luka Yuanyuan Yang, a heartwarming and moving documentary film about the last surviving Chinatown burlesque dancer of the 20th century, Coby Yee.
After the screening, there will be a short discussion with the director herself, as well as a performance by the ‘dancing aunties’ of ESEACC. The afternoon will open up into an intergenerational community dance floor, with DJ Ben Lee AKA Congee Sounds spinning East Asian classics and nostalgic hits.
Snacks and drinks will be available to buy from Leo’s Bun and ESEACC Luncheon Club.
Attendees are invited to dress up in their ‘Sunday Chinatown best’ – whether that be inspired by the handsewn costumes of Coby Yee, or clothes that convey cultural pride.
SCHEDULE
2:00pm
Doors
·
2:30 – 4:00pm
Film screening
·
4:00 – 4:15pm
Q&A with Luka Yang and book signing
·
4:15 – 4:45 pm
Performance by the dancing aunties of ESEACC
·
4:45 – 5:30 pm
Dance workshop
·
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Community dance floor
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