Claiming Our Future, Celebrating Our Past

Established in 1992, CAAM Chinese Dance Theater is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing our Chinese cultural heritage and enriching the cultural life of all Minnesotans through the universal language of dance. Chinese dance draws from more than 56 diverse ethnic groups, traditional Chinese opera, martial arts and ballet. In addition to traditional year-round dance instruction and our annual Chinese New Year Production, CAAM CDT offers award-winning summer camp programs, customizable workshops and residencies, interactive educational programs, and outreach performances for community events. 

The oldest and largest Chinese Dance company in the Midwest, CAAM CDT has enjoyed remarkably stable leadership since its inception and currently serves under the artistic direction of Jinyu Zhou, a world-renown choreographer and teacher. Our dance studio of more than 160 students are enrolled in dance classes at our Saint Paul campus, CDT offers programs for all ages from our youngest dancers as young as 18 months to our adult dancers. 

Your generous support will allow CAAM Chinese Dance Theater to continue to bring our many programs to our community.

CAAM CDT has been a significant part of my life for as long as I can remember. Being adopted, CAAM has been one of the only thinks that has kept me connected to my Chinese heritage. I not only learned how to dance, but I also made lifelong friends and family through CAAM. Supporting CAAM with your time and money will help students like me stay connected to their Chinese heritage and community, and learn one of the most beautiful forms of fine art. - Serena W.

We became part of the CAAM CDT family when our daughter was seven. We love the wonderful Chinese dance and education program supported by our fabulous teachers, administrators, and volunteers. Children form life-long friendships and develop love for the colorful and diverse Chinese dance and culture. The scheduled performances and outreach opportunities not only allow kids to grow in dance skills, but also help promote Chinese culture and heritage in our local communities. We are grateful to be part of a caring and supportive family. - Elle M.

CDT is where we share our passion for dance, our love for the Chinese culture, and our commitment to building a diverse community. CDT unites you and me under one roof chasing one dream to make a better world! - Li W.

I appreciate CDT sharing Chinese Culture and Dance here in Minnesota. I support CDT because my daughter has learned so much and loves teachers and friends. - Brian L.

CAAM-CDT and Chinese dance kept me sane during the pandemic. I've had a child dancing with the studio since 2014, but had no dance experience myself. The Chinese Dance Fitness class via Zoom became an essential part of my pandemic self-care and well-being early on. I use the weekly videos from the teacher to literally dance away the stress several times a week between classes. When my family was living in close quarters, the dances I learned through CAAM-CDT were one of the only things that still gave me joy and hope. This year, CAAM-CDT will celebrate 30 years of bringing Chinese culture to the Twin Cities through dance. I hope you will consider supporting this very worthy organization. - Shareen

CAAM Chinese Dance Theatre has provided a community and cultural grounding for my biracial children, who have danced here since they were two years old. Young adults now who are trying to find their places in the world, they appreciate knowing that this community will continue to be their home base, and to empower and embrace even more young people who need to cultivate a sense of belonging through culturally specific dance training.

Claire is taking contemporary dance at University of Wisconsin Madison. Her dance teacher asked her about her dance background. Claire talked about CAAM CDT. The teacher said, "Whatever they are doing, is obviously working. You are moving like someone who's danced contemporary for 20 years!" - Hui W.

As a Chinese-adoptee, I am extremely thankful for CAAM because it allowed me the opportunity to learn more about my cultural and heritage. If I were not a part of CAAM, I wouldn’t have been able to be a part of the Chinese American community and forge life-changing connections with so many people. CAAM has helped me grow and be confident with my heritage and also inspire others to do the same. - Ana D.