I was a member of Decadance from 2010 to 2011.

We were a fusion social dance performance group that combined elements of ballroom, swing, latin, and other social dance forms — and strived to inspire all audiences to want to dance as much as we do. We performed at outdoor public spaces and indoor venues across the San Francisco Bay Area. Our motto was to dance anytime and anywhere.

Christmas in San Francisco

We put on hour-long winter performances at Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39 in San Francisco each December. Our annual shows attracted locals and tourists alike, and delighted the many passers-by and holiday shoppers in the areas.

Merry Yen, Danya Volkov, and Rainbow Chen in a ballet
Photography by Jason Chuang

Decadance performing “Trainbeck” to a crowd in front of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory
Choreography by Neal Kanodia to music by Beck
Photography by Jason Chuang

Decadance performing by the 60-feet Christmas tree at Pier 39 in San Francisco
(Left) Evan Parker in “Singin’ in the Rain” — a joyful musical theatre-themed choreographed by Diana Jang
(Right) Sameer Madan and Merry Yen as a puppet and a puppeteer in “Numb” — a contemporary piece choreographed by Danya Volkov
Photography by Jason Chuang

Spring Shows and More

Our repertories featured a wide variety of dance forms such as “Love Story” which combined Chinese ribbon dance with polka steps set to music of Taylor Swift or “Maahi Ve” with its Bollywood-inspired 19th-century schottische steps. Yes, Bollywood music turns out to be the perfect tempo for the lively 19th-century schottische. Did I mention we do fusion? 🙂

Decadance in “Love Story” a fusion of Chinese ribbon dance and polka at our Spring Show
Choreography by Merry Yen to music by Taylor Swift
Photography by Jason Chuang

Decadance in “Wake me up before you go go” featuring aerials, cowboys, and a pillow fight
Choreography by David Chen to music by Wham!
Photography by Jason Chuang

Decadance dancing “Maahi Ve” a Bollywood and schottische fusion at Santana Row in San Jose
Choreography by Deb Henigson to music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Photography by Jason Chuang