May: Asian-American and Pacific Islander Dance Heritage
Celebrating the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders to our shared dance heritage.
Li Cunxin (born January 26, 1961)
The story of Chinese-born ballet dancer Li Cunxin is featured in the movie Mao's Last Dancer (2009). Invited to study in the United States by the Houston Ballet in the 1970s, Cunxin defected and danced with the company for 16 years. After a stint as a stockbroker, he accepted the post of Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet in 2012.
Li Cunxin
Yuriko Kikuchi (born February 2, 1920-2022)
Known simply as Yuriko, the modern dancer survived WWII Japanese internment camps to study and perform with choreographer Martha Graham (1894-1991) for 50 years.
Yuriko Kikuchi
Michio Ito (born April 13, 1892-1961)
Dancer/choreographer Michio Ito studied modern dance in Germany before relocating to the United States in 1916. He inspired fledgling modern dancers on both coasts through his symphonic dance concerts and tours until his repatriation to Japan during WWII.
Michio Ito
Harry Shum, Jr. (born April 28, 1982)
Dancer Harry Shum, Jr. is best known for creating the role of Mike Chang on the TV series Glee (2009-2015) and appeared in dance films You Got Served (2004) and Stomp the Yard (2007). He grew up in San Francisco and left college to pursue a dance career as a back-up dancer for artists including Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, and Jennifer Lopez. In recent years, he has transitioned to acting roles in movies such as Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022).
Harry Shum, Jr.
Baayork Lee premiered on Broadway in the original version of The King and I (1951) as one of the featured young princesses and went on to appear in Flower Drum Song (1958) and Promises, Promises (1968) before originating the autobiographical role of Connie in A Chorus Line (1975), choreographed by her high school friend, dancer Michael Bennett (1943-1987)..
Baayork Lee
Reiko Sato (born December 19, 1931-1981)
Dancer Reiko Sato worked with choreographer Jack Cole (1911-1974) and danced in a featured role in Kismet for both the Broadway and Hollywood versions during the 1950s. She also danced in the dream ballet in the movie Flower Drum Song (1961).
