“I want other nationalities to know how beautiful our culture is from the dance skills, traditional outfits, and the meaning of the songs we perform to.”
Watch Emily and her dance troupe perform.
“I was born and raised in San Diego, California. From what I remember, my parents arrived in San Diego at different times and met later through mutual friends. My father arrived during the war by escaping independently from Laos, then arriving at a refugee camp in Thailand.”
“After receiving permission to live in America or France, he chose America because his sister wanted to come here due to their very close friends who were also migrating. My mother was sponsored by a church in America since her oldest sister was already here waiting for her to arrive.”
Watch Emily and her dance troupe perform.
“What I embrace the most about being Lao is the deliciously seasoned food and the meaningful traditional songs. I particularly love the traditional dances the most which is why I have been involved with dancing for 13 plus years. To fully embrace our culture I gather my friends to attend Lao events, dance or speak our native language.”
“What made me want to start dancing were the music videos I watched when I was younger with my mom and aunt. My aunt (may she rest in peace for eternity), is my drive for dancing. I have had three mentors, my first was Souvanna Grafton, Jimmy Sengthravorn and lastly Nome Thongphachanh. Along with my mentors, my lovely aunt Khamfanh Nachampassak was my inspiration to continue dancing for many years, as well as my personal interest.”
Watch Emily and her dance troupe perform.
“The biggest challenge I have faced is keeping up with dancing and other important life priorities, such as school and family. From this I learned a valuable lesson, to say no when I can’t handle too many songs or projects.”
“The mindset I adopted that allowed me to pursue my goal was to never give up on my community and culture. No matter what the obstacles are, I never want to give up on Lao dancing because I know Laotians aren’t represented enough.”
“If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to learn to have balance because despite your mind saying you are capable of handling many things, you cannot say yes to every project or venture.”
“And never give up because one day the work you’re putting in for our culture will lead to wonderful things for our community.”
Watch Emily and her dance troupe Dok Kulap Sinlapakorn perform.
For the next 3 to 5 years my vision is to continue teaching my Lao dancers and younger generations of Lao-Americans about important traditions such as the Lao New Year parade and many traditional dances under my dance troupe, Dok Kulap Sinlapakorn. Another goal I aim to achieve is venturing out to other states so my girls and I can perform and spread awareness about our heritage.
Follow Emily’s Dance Troupe IG @Dok.Kulap
