With support from the California Arts Council, East Wind Foundation for Youth will begin a women’s lion dance class. This class will support gender equity in a male-dominated performing art field. East Wind Foundation wants to recruit, develop, and nurture an all women lion dance team. An ancient Chinese tradition, lion dancing is historically and traditionally performed by men. East Wind will level the playing field for gender equality in Chinese cultural performing arts by creating an extra women’s lion dance training session.
The grant will allow women a better opportunity to perform at more lion dance shows and lift their self confidence. This grant will help us to purchase four smaller size lion heads that will customize for women.
The EAST WIND FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH, INC is a 501(c)3 registered organization based in the heart of the Los Angeles Chinatown community. Established in 1972 by Sifu Ron Quan, East Wind’s focus on working towards creating opportunities and making positive impacts on at-risk youths has made them a leader in the global community of not-for-profit institutions. This long-standing tradition has instilled confidence and self-esteem in every person invested with the organization. East Wind has grown since its modest beginnings and seeks to continue its success in three key areas: Performing Arts (lion dance, dragon dance, and martial arts demonstration), Education (college prep, individual tutorial upon request, interview prep, mentor/mentee programs, and scholarships), and Community (volunteering clean-up in Chinatown, Alpine Park clean-up, Halloween Community Carnival, annual Holiday performances, Lotus Festival, Los Angeles Marathon, and Chinatown Golden Dragon Parade).

