For the past two years, I've been documenting the lives of youths at the East Wind Foundation, a nonprofit organization in the heart of Los Angeles' Chinatown, at the Alpine Recreation Park.
Here, young people dedicate their after-school hours and weekends to practicing the traditional folk art of lion dancing. An ancient art dating back to the Han Dynasty, lion dance is more than just a performance for these youths — it's a way for these youths to connect with their heritage and build confidence and a sense of belonging within the community. Please read more on NPR.
Written and photographed by Leafy Yun Ye. 2023~2024
3:45 min, Two-channel Video
Edited by Leafy Yun Ye
Cinematography by Edson Reyes
Sound Mixed by Bin Lin & Xueying Ou (in progress)
Featuring East Wind Foundation
