Every spring as the snow and ice melt, Cornell’s student organizations Amber Dance Troupe and Illuminations Dance Troupe put together Rhythms of China, our annual Chinese traditional dance showcase. This yearly event invites the Cornell community to travel through time and space to feel the beauty of another country.

Rhythms of China is a tradition that has happened for many years, which has had different names and collaborations between different student groups. Cornell Amber Dance Troupe is one of the two main organizations hosting this event, and as a member of the group, I devote much of my time and energy during the semesters to their events.

Dances showcased by Rhythms of China span in longitude and latitude, showing off qipaos in the 1940s of Shanghai, leisurely horse riding across Mongolian grasslands, the hard-working people of the Yi ethnicity in the alleys of Yunnan Province, and graduating students in a modern-day high school of Shenzhen. This is only a tiny portion of what we can demonstrate. Founded in 2003, Amber Dance Troupe reached its 20th anniversary last year, and every year, the diversity of Chinese culture is demonstrated on stage, and this “tradition” will continue to happen.

Besides being able to participate in various styles of Chinese dance, getting a grip on Chinese culture from dancing, as well as having an opportunity to keep fit weekly, joining the Amber Dance Troupe is like joining a grand family. We are not only limited to undergraduates, but also have dancers currently pursuing careers as doctors, masters, or even researchers. Even though some of our dances may require basic experience in dancing, we always have others that are designed for beginners. We are open and welcoming to anyone interested in seeing how Chinese dance makes up an essential part of the culture.

The Amber Dance Troupe is like my family on campus. People in our dance troupe are doing what we love, and time flies every time we are together, trying to put ourselves into the shoes of the characters depicted in the dances. If you want to join a student organization that prepares a magnificent showcase each year, consider us! Amber is always waiting for you!