Academy of Palo Alto Performing Arts (APAPA-USA)

Academy of Palo Alto Performing Arts (APAPA-USA) offers training in ballet, Chinese classical dance, Chinese dance, and contemporary dance. The program’s curriculum includes three core programs: Ballet, Chinese Dance, and Contemporary Dance, with ballet based on the Vaganova training system. Chinese Dance is described as the root and inheritance of the academy, Contemporary Dance is described as creation and extension, and Ballet is described as a new beginning representing discipline, elegance, and international artistry.

• Ages: 3–18 years old

Founded in 2018 in California, APAPA-USA follows a mission that art has the power to transform lives and should be accessible to everyone, and welcomes students of all backgrounds to explore their artistic potential under the motto “Starting From Here.” The curriculum emphasizes discipline, focus, and creativity within a positive and inclusive environment, and is committed to using Chinese cultural symbols as a foundation, integrating contemporary dance language and a global vision, and telling authentic Chinese stories. The academy also explores new languages of movement through cross-cultural fusion and dialogue where tradition and modernity, East and West, coexist on stage. The leadership team includes Founder and Artistic Director Aiping Xiong, Artistic Consultant and Instructor Ying Liu, Ballet Instructor Lulu Zhang Li, and Ballet Instructor Anastasia Pavlova. APAPA-USA students have earned numerous awards at competitions including YAGP (Youth America Grand Prix), UBC (Universal Ballet Competition), ICON Dance Competition, Showstopper, and KAR (Kids Artistic Revue).

Last updated June 13, 2026.