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Unsuspecting Vallco shoppers may have wondered why there was a Chinese man balancing a 30-foot pole lined with swords on his shoulder in the parking lot outside the ice center. They might have been even more puzzled to see a young woman dancing effortlessly at the top of the pole.
But this was all part of Ann Woo's promise.
After a sprinkler flood all but scuttled the June 6 grand opening of the Chinese Performing Artists of America's new art center at Vallco, Woo, who was in charge of the project, pledged a bigger and better grand opening in two weeks—and she came through.
On June 20, the center finally opened its doors to the public and allowed the curious to see what the new facility is about.
Performers of all ages filled the grand stage, some clad in brightly colored karate uniforms and others dressed in traditional Chinese or Persian outfits. There was also a synchronized disco presentation from a group of very young Indian girls in shiny outfits.
The group celebrated until late in the afternoon, some rejoicing in the fact that all their hard work had finally come to a climax.
The center is a joint effort between the Chinese, Iranian and Indian communities in Cupertino. With this unique cultural combination, students at the center will have the chance to explore diverse ethnic arts all within the same setting.
Rep. Mike Honda and Council members Kris Wang and Patrick Kwok, as well as many other community leaders, were present to watch the cultural performances presented by future students and teachers of the center.
"This is it," said Woo, excited that the center is now in operation.
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