Business Details
35 Years
experience
Celebrating Chinese and Multicultural Performing Arts in San Jose
Founded in 1991 by visionary leader Ann Woo, Chinese Performing Artists Of America (CPAA) has been dedicated to promoting Chinese and multicultural performing arts through professional productions, community events, and arts education. Our 14,000 sq ft arts center in West San Jose serves as a vibrant hub where tradition meets innovation, supporting over 40 local arts groups annually. With a legacy of bridging Eastern and Western cultures, we offer original stage works, youth training programs, and international cultural exchanges that celebrate diversity and build community connections. Our organization has presented performances to over 25,000 annual audience members in the Bay Area while maintaining rigorous artistic standards.Led by a team of experienced artists and educators, including former Executive Director Lihong Zhang and Co-Executive Directors Feng Han and Sabrina Kwong, we continue to expand access to multicultural arts through our incubator programs and state-of-the-art facility. Our commitment to excellence has earned recognition through numerous awards and partnerships, including collaborations with Ballet San Jose and participation in national dance competitions. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we remain focused on making the arts accessible to all through educational programs, community events, and performance opportunities that inspire future generations.
Services
Cultural Performances
Dance Training
Art Workshops
Youth Programs
Event Rentals
Community Classes
Cultural Exchange
Arts Education
Performance Collaborations
Studio Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in multicultural performing arts promotion
- Our 14,000 sq ft facility supports over 40 local arts organizations annually
- We provide award-winning cultural programming recognized nationally
- Our leadership team includes former tech industry professionals and performing artists
- We maintain partnerships with major Bay Area cultural institutions
Services
Cultural Performances
CPAA produces original stage works blending Chinese culture with modern stagecraft, including annual Spring Festival celebrations and large-scale productions like 'Dances of China: A Journey of 5,000 Years.' Our performances feature dance, music, martial arts, and acrobatics that have received national acclaim. These shows serve as cultural bridges connecting diverse audiences through shared artistic experiences.
Youth Programs
Our youth training programs include dance, music, and cultural classes for children and teens. The Asian Arts & Culture Youth Committee empowers teens to become cultural ambassadors through event planning and community outreach. These programs develop artistic skills while fostering cultural pride and leadership abilities in the next generation of artists.
Arts Center Rentals
Our 14,000 sq ft facility features three multi-purpose auditoriums and ten rehearsal rooms available for rent. The space accommodates art exhibits, chamber music concerts, dance performances, and private events. With flexible configurations supporting up to 300 audience members, our venue serves as a creative hub for both established and emerging artists across multiple disciplines.
Community Classes
We offer diverse arts education including Chinese language and culture, robotics, and visual arts. Adult classes feature Tai Chi instruction with experienced masters, while our after-school programs combine academic support with creative exploration. These classes emphasize accessibility, welcoming participants of all skill levels to engage with multicultural arts.
Cultural Exchange
Our initiatives connect Silicon Valley with global artistic traditions through international collaborations and touring productions. These programs facilitate cross-cultural understanding by presenting traditional and contemporary works from around the world. The exchange programs also provide local artists opportunities to showcase their work on international stages.
People
Ann Woo
Founder
Visionary leader and former Silicon Valley engineer who founded CPAA in 1991. Held 9 patents and created the CPAA Arts Center. Recognized with multiple awards including Lifetime Achievement from World Arts West.
Lihong Zhang
Former Executive Director
Led CPAA through post-pandemic recovery and program expansion. Computer Science graduate with 15+ years in tech leadership. Maintained commitment to cultural expression while modernizing operations.
Feng Han
Co-Executive Director of Operations
Beijing Dance Academy graduate and former principal dancer with China National Opera. Directed CPAA's Spring Festival events and choreographed numerous award-winning productions for competitions and community showcases.
Sabrina Kwong
Co-Executive Director of Outreach
BFA graduate with MALI certification specializing in arts education and community engagement. Developed strategic outreach programs connecting CPAA with diverse audiences across Silicon Valley.
Mei J
Dancer
Award-winning performer with CPAA since 2018. Earned Elite Platinum Award at Taoli World Dance Competition. Combines artistic excellence with community service through animal welfare volunteering.
Questions
What types of performances does CPAA produce?
CPAA creates original productions blending Chinese culture with modern stagecraft, including annual Spring Festival celebrations, large-scale dance works, and multicultural collaborations.
Do you offer arts education programs for children?
Yes, we provide youth dance training, cultural classes, and the Asian Arts & Culture Youth Committee for teens, focusing on both artistic development and leadership skills.
Can I rent space at your arts center?
Our 14,000 sq ft facility offers multiple venues for rent including auditoriums and rehearsal rooms suitable for performances, workshops, and cultural events.
Are there adult arts classes available?
We offer Tai Chi instruction, cultural workshops, and community classes for adults, emphasizing accessibility and lifelong learning opportunities in various artistic disciplines.
How can I get involved with CPAA?
Opportunities include volunteering, attending performances, participating in educational programs, or joining our dance teams. We welcome both performers and supporters of multicultural arts.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Mira Sharma Meenakshi
Aug 14, 2019
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The classes are great, but its become very unsafe. I go there for a fabulous class every Tuesday evening. There are one or more car break-ins just during the one hour I am there! The CPAA doesnt careits even put up a new sign saying all thefts are our problem.
Mariola M.
Oct 27, 2017
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We asked CPAA is they could send someone to represent Chinese traditional dance at our District's International Festival. A wonderful student named Kailyn Xu offered to come and she performed "Snow Blossom" for our audience. The children were mesmerized, it was beautiful - delicate and graceful. We felt honored that CPAA would take the time to help us. We are so grateful to have had the chance to let our children experience the richness of Chinese culture through dance! Thank you Kailyn!
Jason A.
Sep 03, 2017
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Andy is an AMAZING instructor. Having never danced before, he made us feel comfortable and walked us through everything. Even recorded where we ended with each lesson so we can practice. Highly recommend taking lessons with him.
Susan S.
Aug 11, 2017
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I had not done ballroom dance for 12 years but when I saw a Groupon for 3 private 45 minute lessons, I couldn't resist. Happily, I got to take the lessons with Andy at the CPAA Arts Center and he patiently took me through several dances including the Two Step, Fox Trot and the East Coast Swing to name a few. He made it easy for me, was super encouraging and very clearly reminded me of the steps. The environment at CPAA Arts Center is extremely family friendly and Andy is an outstanding instructor!
Anne J.
Jul 26, 2017
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This place is located in the corner of a strip mall off Bollinger Rd, across the street from the middle school. My fiance and I bought a Groupon for three 45-minute private dance lessons, so we could learn some moves for our wedding and this is so far the best part of our wedding preparations! We LOVED our dance lessons!
First, it is super easy to make an appointment! Just call and they check their schedules and get you signed up, making sure that what you choose is the most convenient for you. They also have other dance lessons, with different themes every day, whether it's swing or salsa
First, it is super easy to make an appointment! Just call and they check their schedules and get you signed up, making sure that what you choose is the most convenient for you. They also have other dance lessons, with different themes every day, whether it's swing or salsa
P. A. M. Austin
Jul 09, 2017
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This is a great place for all kinds of classes. Some classes are in Chinese but a lot of classes are in English. I particularly like the art class for children and Bellissimo Children's Choir. The teacher is very knowledgeable and the children sing so beautifully! The price is better than anywhere else and the children really learn music: how to read and write music. There are also dance and singing classes for adults.
Jonathan B.
Jan 17, 2016
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I have enjoyed and grown from my voice lessons with Mr. Weiguang Dang at CPAA. I am indebted to them for my musical vocal growth. CPAA
