
Our Benefits
DAA Company
Mission
Dance of Asian America (DAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit promoting Chinese cultural heritage through authentic dance. We sustain traditions, build international bridges, and educate Houston in cross-cultural understanding while fostering new generations of professional artists.
DAA champions inclusivity by serving historically underserved communities—particularly those defined by race, culture, nationality, gender identity, and sexual orientation—making high-quality cultural arts accessible to Houston's diverse population.
Annually, we reach 50,000+ people through 50+ free performances, educational programs, and community events. Our four core initiatives include public performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre, educational programs for PreK-12 and adults, community outreach at festivals and hospitals, and professional training for our company dancers. Through these programs, DAA enriches Houston's cultural landscape while preserving the dance traditions of China's 56 ethnic groups.
History
Founded in 2001, Dance of Asian America began with a simple mission: preserve Chinese dance traditions in Houston. Today, we're a cultural cornerstone reaching 50,000+ people annually through performances, education, and community engagement.
Our evolution reflects Houston's growth. What started as cultural preservation has become cultural exchange—our "East Meets West" productions unite Houston Ballet with Chinese classical dance, while "Splendid CHINA" brings award-winning artists from Beijing and Shanghai to Texas stages. We've expanded from Miller Outdoor Theatre to schools, hospitals, libraries, and festivals citywide.
Twenty-plus years later, DAA has trained generations of dancers who bridge cultures through movement. Our programs span from PreK classrooms to senior centers, from the Medical Center to Galveston, making Chinese culture accessible to all. We've transformed from preserving tradition to creating new ones, uniquely Houston, uniquely DAA.
Board
Leadership Team
- President - Janie Parker
- Vice President - Linda Wu
- Secretary - Theresa Chen
- Treasurer - Betty Gee
Board Members
- Lauren Anderson
- Christine Ho
- Linh Su
- Ming Yao
- Nami McGown
- Diane Nguyen
- Lily Jang
Honorary Board
- Judge Theresa Chang
- Gordon Quan