The Alliance of Minnesota Chinese Organizations hosted the “Ode to Peace” event at St. Catherine’s University O’Shaughnessy Auditorium, commemorating 80 years since the Allied victory in World War II.
The event highlighted Minnesota’s Chinese American community while engaging attendees with a diverse mix of arts, blending both cultural celebration and historical storytelling.
Head Artistic Director of the Chinese American Association of Minnesota’s Chinese Dance Theater Lili Teng said the performance aimed to honor global resistance against aggression, while highlighting Chinese cultural traditions.
“This performance is to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory against aggressors,” Teng said. “We use Chinese art forms, but also include international pieces to create a diverse program.”
Xiaoyan Luo, director of public relations for AMCO and the event’s host, said the occasion reflects the shared history between China and the U.S. during World War II.
“Eighty years ago, China and the U.S. fought side by side against fascist aggression,” Luo said. “The friendship forged in wartime became an invaluable part of China and U.S. history and continues to inspire us to cherish peace.”
Luo said the event helps younger generations understand and value this history.
“It praises the historical contributions of our peoples to the great cause of anti-fascism and peace,” Luo said. “It enables the Chinese community, especially the younger generation, to remember history and cherish peace.”
Teng, who has lived in Minnesota since 1999, said the show also promotes awareness of Chinese culture through music and dance in the U.S.
“For over 20 years, I’ve been sharing Chinese culture here through dance and song, showing how our art can engage American audiences,” Teng said.
Teng said the program combined political remembrance with artistic value with other local performers.
“As the artistic director, I planned the program to carry both commemorative meaning and artistic quality,” Teng said. “We worked with CAAM Chinese Dance Theater and Xu Qian Music Center to make this possible.”
Audience member Tina Sprinkle said she had no idea what to expect.
“It was fabulous, absolutely fabulous,” Sprinkle said. “I loved the choreography for the Dove piece, and the children were very adorable; everybody was so talented.”
Audience member Eleanor Sullivan said she was mesmerized by the dance and loved the message.
“We were invited to come and see the performance, and I was blown away by the choreography and the movement,” Sullivan said. “Absolutely an eye-opening experience about a part of history that I am not very familiar with.”
Teng said the collaboration exceeded her expectations.
“Overall, I am very satisfied with this collaboration,” Teng said. “Everyone worked toward the same goal, and seeing the audience’s recognition is what we all hoped for.”
