Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Chinese Dance Academy in Richmond, BC
Founded in 1970 by Lorita Leung, we are North America's first and most reputable Chinese dance academy. Our mission is to provide top-notch Chinese dance training in a caring, professional environment. Our qualified faculty values artistic excellence and authenticity of Chinese dance tradition, offering small classes finely divided by level to challenge students to reach their full potential. We provide unique performance opportunities through our Little Panda Children's Performing Group and Lorita Leung Dance Company. Our industry-leading Contemporary Chinese Dance program, led by Chengxin Wei, blends classical Chinese dance with Western contemporary influences.Students gain confidence, poise, and a deeper appreciation of Chinese dance culture while winning top awards at international competitions. We maintain the complete Beijing Dance Academy Chinese Dance Examination Syllabus Levels One through Thirteen, covering Classical, Folk, and Ethnic dance. Our graduates have performed at prestigious venues including the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa and represented Canada at international festivals. With over 50 years of experience, we continue to preserve, promote, and enhance Chinese dance culture in Canada while innovating for contemporary audiences.
Services
Beijing Dance Academy CDES
Contemporary Chinese Dance
Adult Chinese Dance
Teen Chinese Dance
Youth Ballet
Childrens Repertoire
Little Panda Performing Group
Summer Intensive Programs
Faculty Training
Performance Coaching
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- North America's first Chinese dance academy established in 1970
- Offers complete Beijing Dance Academy Chinese Dance Examination Syllabus Levels 1-13
- Industry-leading Contemporary Chinese Dance program blending Eastern and Western styles
- Small class sizes with precise level divisions for optimal student development
- Proven track record of competition success and international performance opportunities
Associations and certifications
- Beijing Dance Academy
What people say
Exceptional training quality
Cultural preservation
Performance opportunities
Experienced instructors
Award-winning results
Services
Beijing Dance Academy CDES
We offer the complete Beijing Dance Academy Chinese Dance Examination Syllabus Levels One through Thirteen. This structured program develops technical proficiency in Chinese Classical, Folk, and Ethnic dance while maintaining authentic traditions. Students receive comprehensive training preparing them for official examinations recognized internationally.
Contemporary Chinese Dance
Our industry-leading Contemporary Chinese Dance program blends Classical Chinese dance with Western Contemporary influences. Led by Resident Choreographer Chengxin Wei, this innovative style creates current, location-relevant performances while preserving traditional foundations through Vancouver Contemporary Chinese Dance Company collaborations.
Little Panda Performing Group
This beginner/intermediate performance group showcases our most talented young students. The program develops stage presence, ensemble coordination, and cultural expression through regular public performances, fostering confidence and artistic growth in a supportive environment for ages 4-12.
Summer Intensive Programs
Designed for serious students, our Summer Intensive programs provide concentrated training in Chinese dance techniques. These specialized courses offer accelerated skill development through extended daily sessions focusing on technical mastery, repertoire expansion, and performance preparation during July and August months.
Adult Chinese Dance
Our beginner/intermediate adult dance classes cater to mature students seeking cultural enrichment through movement. The curriculum balances technical instruction with artistic expression, accommodating various fitness levels while maintaining authentic Chinese dance traditions in a welcoming, non-competitive environment.
People
Lorita Leung
Founder
Born in Shanghai, trained in China during the 1940s-50s, former Lanchow Army Song dancer, established LLDA in 1970 as North America's first Chinese dance academy, pioneer in cross-cultural dance education.
Jessica Jone
Principal and Artistic Director
Vancouver-born graduate of LLDA training program, received professional training in China, continues family legacy since 1970, leads artistic direction for both academy and dance company performances.
Chengxin Wei
Choreographer, Instructor
Beijing Dance Academy graduate (1997), 11-year classical Chinese dance specialist, develops innovative Contemporary Chinese Dance program, combines traditional techniques with modern artistic expression.
Grace Chen
Instructor
Shanghai Dance School graduate (1998) specializing in Chinese folk dance, brings 5 years professional experience from China to her teaching, focuses on authentic ethnic dance traditions.
Teron Lee
Instructor, Administrator
Joined LLDA at age 6 in 1996, first British Columbian student in program, combines personal experience as alumni with administrative oversight to support student development.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer Beijing Dance Academy syllabus (Classical, Folk, Ethnic), Contemporary Chinese Dance, Youth Ballet, and specialized performance training programs.
What age groups do you accept?
We accept students from age 4 through adults, with precise level divisions ensuring appropriate training for all ages and experience levels.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes, through our Little Panda Performing Group, dance company collaborations, and annual events including our 30th anniversary Beijing Dance Academy examinations showcase.
Are your instructors qualified?
Our faculty includes Beijing Dance Academy graduates, professional performers, and specialists with decades of combined experience in Chinese dance education.
How do you combine tradition with innovation?
While maintaining authentic Chinese dance traditions, we innovate through our Contemporary Chinese Dance program that blends Western contemporary techniques with classical foundations.
What competition success have students achieved?
Our students have won top awards at international competitions including Overseas Taoli Cup Dance Competition and Global Dance Challenge.
Videos
Reviews (7)
N. I. A. L. E.
Jan 10, 2022
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Id recommend this academy to anyone interested in Chinese dance. I enjoy dancing at LLDA in many ways and have been dancing there for almost 10 years now. There, I learned how to express myself through dance. I got to connect more to Chinese culture and learn about Chinese traditions, history, and dance styles. Its cool that they offer different kinds of dance to learn, so you can explore more areas of dance. There have been many performance opportunities too. The instructors are friendly and encourage/guide you through your dance journey regardless of what level youre at. My overall experience
Gloria & Marcus Siu
Nov 24, 2021
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This is a highly recommended dance school that adheres to the Beijing Dance Academy Graded Syllabus. Our daughter has been dancing there since she was 5, and her love of dance has grown because of all the wonderful teachers she has experienced through her dance journey!
Elaine Cao
Oct 15, 2021
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I have been dancing at the LLDA for about five years, and it is the second Chinese dance school I've attended in Richmond after moving here from China. I was able to continue my CDGES studies, build on my foundations and improve my skills tremendously due to the high standards in the studio. There are also many opportunities to learn about Chinese culture and history, as well as various styles of Chinese dance. I am now studying Grade 13 of the syllabus and have enjoyed every moment dancing here. If you're interested in learning and perfroming Chinese dance, then this academy is for you!
Carol Alexander
Oct 01, 2021
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We have been part of the Lorita Leung Dance Academy family since our daughter started taking lessons at 3.5 years old. What impressed me initially was how professional they were. The teachers are all talented dancers who take their craft very seriously, and at the same time make classes fun and engaging. The level of instruction is very high and there are opportunities for the children to perform semi-professionally as The Little Pandas and The Lorita Leung Dance Company. I am so grateful to LLDA for being such a positive part of my daughters childhood.
Hui Xue
Sep 30, 2021
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As a mother, I watched my daughter grow up on stage with LLDA from kindergarten to when she graduated university. From not being about to tell her lefts from her rights to dancing solos, I watched the impact long term practice and consistent encouragement from instructors make. I would say that LLDA has a very healthy culture in dance teaching. Lorita and Jessica carefully teach all the girls and treat all the members equally. The students here not only gain dancing skills, but also a good work ethic. I am so happy that the dancing has a lot positive impact on my daughter.
Seeing my daughter love
Seeing my daughter love
Bonita K.
Sep 22, 2021
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My daughter started Chinese Dance at LLDA when she was around 4 years old and 5 years later she cannot live without it. She absolutely loves Chinese dance, the teachers and the training that has been provided. She looks forward to going to her classes and can't get enough of it. The faculty members are all very kind, supportive, professional, patient, and caring. I would recommend LLDA if you are looking for a reputable and outstanding school.
Maddy Eichner
Sep 18, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Ive been dancing at the LLDA since I was 3 years old. Dance has been a part of my life since I can remember and I cant imagine not having the academy in my life. The teachers are amazing and there are so many different styles to study. Ive taken hip hop, ballet, acro, contemporary and Classical Chinese dance here at the school.
Ive been dancing at the LLDA since I was 3 years old. Dance has been a part of my life since I can remember and I cant imagine not having the academy in my life. The teachers are amazing and there are so many different styles to study. Ive taken hip hop, ballet, acro, contemporary and Classical Chinese dance here at the school.
