Interviewers
Tub Fwv Lee
-What is the purpose of this group?
Hmong dancing is a way of telling our cultures story and promoting Hmong culture. Also to helps dancers and audience understand the Hmong culture more.
-When did you join and why? How did you know about dancing? Who introduced you?
I joined 2-3 years ago but danced in a different group called MoonLight in 2007. My old teacher was Daolan and I moved to a different one and now I'm with Alaya. I joined because I like dancing. My sister was into dance ever since she was little and she always taught me how to dance and I just fell in love with it. I liked this school more because it was more diverse with boys and girls.
-Where have you performed?
I have performed at the Minnesota River Center and Metrodome, at the Fresno California HNY, and Milwaukee Wisconsin. Also at school talent shows.
-Was anyone against you dancing?
No.
-How much of a value is this to you? How motivated are you?
I dance every Saturday and sometimes I have performances on weekends and weekdays. I also practice in my basement and i am always on time. If I were to give up college for dancing, I would say 5.5 out of 10.
-What are some stereotypes people have about Hmong Dancing?
I always hear "it's for girls" or like sexist things similar to that. We always get criticism from other dance groups and audience like "you suck" or "you cheated". The older people praise Hmong dancing by the stories we show but the younger generation only sees the skills and all the cool moves.
-Does dancing interfere with school or extracurricular activities?
No it doesn't because I'm not in any extracurricular activities, and I think I'm a good student (lol). The only thing is that sometimes I have family events to attend on the weekends and dancing interferes with that. Transportation is sometimes a problem because I live in oakdale while the school is in Minneapolis.
-What is your favorite thing about Hmong dancing? What do you NOT like?
I get to express myself and my feelings through dancing. I also like my mentors and dance mates. They are are chill and cool people so that's a good thing. We always have potluck a and hangout with each other and that builds team communication and relationship. There is nothing I hate.
-Tell me about other dancers that you have encounter.
I have seen a lot of different kind of dancers. There are my home girls which are the ones who mind their own business and don't get jealous. They are the chill people. Then there are (from his words) "bitches" the ones who always complain about everything and act cocky. I call them the show offs. Then there are the crybabies who cry because of every little mistake they make. And they can't take the pressure or the work and so they cry about it.
-What is the difference between Daolan and Alaya?
Alaya focuses more on Hmong dancing and Daolan focuses more on Chinese folk dances.
-What is the difference between Hmong and Chinese dancing?
We do more Chinese than Hmong dancing. Chinese has many different kind of styles whereas Hmong only has one. That is why we have to mix all these styles together to create a cool look with a powerful story. Chinese dancing has more acrobatics moves and Hmong has more swift hand movements. I prefer a dance with more flips though because I'm good at that.
-How do you guys learn the dances?
We learn one first for the first half year then we learn the second one halfway through the year. Then when HNY comes close, we go over both.
-What kind of songs do your dance team dance to?
My teacher finds a song and then she teaches us a dance. Sometimes she creates the beginning then improvise along the way. We usually use old Mongolian songs because their instruments fits our concept. And we use Chinese instrumental music.
-How do you create the costume?
My teacher makes the design first then gives up a copy of the drawing. We are responsible for buying our own fabric and sewing it ourselves. We basically make our costume ourselves.
-What is the purpose of this group?
Hmong dancing is a way of telling our cultures story and promoting Hmong culture. Also to helps dancers and audience understand the Hmong culture more.
-When did you join and why? How did you know about dancing? Who introduced you?
I joined 2-3 years ago but danced in a different group called MoonLight in 2007. My old teacher was Daolan and I moved to a different one and now I'm with Alaya. I joined because I like dancing. My sister was into dance ever since she was little and she always taught me how to dance and I just fell in love with it. I liked this school more because it was more diverse with boys and girls.
-Where have you performed?
I have performed at the Minnesota River Center and Metrodome, at the Fresno California HNY, and Milwaukee Wisconsin. Also at school talent shows.
-Was anyone against you dancing?
No.
-How much of a value is this to you? How motivated are you?
I dance every Saturday and sometimes I have performances on weekends and weekdays. I also practice in my basement and i am always on time. If I were to give up college for dancing, I would say 5.5 out of 10.
-What are some stereotypes people have about Hmong Dancing?
I always hear "it's for girls" or like sexist things similar to that. We always get criticism from other dance groups and audience like "you suck" or "you cheated". The older people praise Hmong dancing by the stories we show but the younger generation only sees the skills and all the cool moves.
-Does dancing interfere with school or extracurricular activities?
No it doesn't because I'm not in any extracurricular activities, and I think I'm a good student (lol). The only thing is that sometimes I have family events to attend on the weekends and dancing interferes with that. Transportation is sometimes a problem because I live in oakdale while the school is in Minneapolis.
-What is your favorite thing about Hmong dancing? What do you NOT like?
I get to express myself and my feelings through dancing. I also like my mentors and dance mates. They are are chill and cool people so that's a good thing. We always have potluck a and hangout with each other and that builds team communication and relationship. There is nothing I hate.
-Tell me about other dancers that you have encounter.
I have seen a lot of different kind of dancers. There are my home girls which are the ones who mind their own business and don't get jealous. They are the chill people. Then there are (from his words) "bitches" the ones who always complain about everything and act cocky. I call them the show offs. Then there are the crybabies who cry because of every little mistake they make. And they can't take the pressure or the work and so they cry about it.
-What is the difference between Daolan and Alaya?
Alaya focuses more on Hmong dancing and Daolan focuses more on Chinese folk dances.
-What is the difference between Hmong and Chinese dancing?
We do more Chinese than Hmong dancing. Chinese has many different kind of styles whereas Hmong only has one. That is why we have to mix all these styles together to create a cool look with a powerful story. Chinese dancing has more acrobatics moves and Hmong has more swift hand movements. I prefer a dance with more flips though because I'm good at that.
-How do you guys learn the dances?
We learn one first for the first half year then we learn the second one halfway through the year. Then when HNY comes close, we go over both.
-What kind of songs do your dance team dance to?
My teacher finds a song and then she teaches us a dance. Sometimes she creates the beginning then improvise along the way. We usually use old Mongolian songs because their instruments fits our concept. And we use Chinese instrumental music.
-How do you create the costume?
My teacher makes the design first then gives up a copy of the drawing. We are responsible for buying our own fabric and sewing it ourselves. We basically make our costume ourselves.
Gaoja Yang
-Explain Hmong dancing.
Hmong dancing is the expression of the Hmong culture and their traditions. It has to do with the hand movements which is usually very fragile. There is usually a rhythm to the movement to the feet which goes with the hand movements.
-What is the purpose of Hmong dancing?
The purpose of Hmong dancing is to bring joy to people and show them the Hmong people's custom.
-Why do you like Hmong dancing? Why did you join?
I like Hmong dance because I find it fun. Also, most importantly because I love my culture so I want to express it for others to see how unique it is.
-What are some things you dislike about Hmong dancing?
There really isn't anything about Hmong dancing that I don't like because it's been part of my life ever since growing up.
-How did you learn about Hmong dancing? Like how did you come to know of this or how did you start?
Well my mom used to Hmong dance when she was young so she taught me it, and when I was young she would usually put on Hmong songs and I just jump around and do whatever moves that came to mind. After all those little dance practice that I had with my mom, she decided to let me join a Hmong dance group. I started it when I was in 3rd grade and as time went by, I got better and better.
-Is there anyone against you dancing?
My dad was at first. My dad was more into singing. He wanted me to become a singer but sadly I wasn't a big fan of it. He didn't support me much with dancing but after seeing how much I liked to dance and how much I have improve throughout the years of dancing, he don't mind me doing it now.
-Do you dance every Sunday from 1-5pm?
Yes, but now since we are doing 4 dance which are 2 Chinese, 1 Thai, and 1 Hmong dance. We also dance on Monday at 5:30pm to 8:30pm and have extra practices on any other day of the week for those who wants to go to the studio and practice.
-Does that interfere with your schoolwork or your extracurricular activities?
Yes, because my dance team and dance teacher really expect us to improve every week. It takes up a lot of energy for it. They push us very hard and expects the best out of us so there should be no lacking when it comes to dancing. We were to memorized dance moves quick and workout everyday. We can't be late for practices unless it's for a good reason that is improve by our teacher.
-Is Dao Lan the only teacher you've had?
Yes, but we have a different dance teacher to teach us our Hmong and Thai dance. Dao Lan teaches us the 2 Chinese dance.
-Is this something you want to pursue in college? Is it like a side thing or hobby?
Not really, no. I have a way different goal that I want to pursue in college which is a lot different from dancing. Dancing is just something for me to express my culture and help me with my insecurities. Yes, not only does it allows me to express my culture but also my thoughts and feelings.
-What are some stereotypes or biases about Hmong dancing?
I'm not so sure. I mean, some people find it interesting and some don't.
-What are some bad things people say about Hmong dancing that offends you? And when people think of Hmong dancing, what is the first thing that pops up?
When they say that Hmong dancing is boring and lame. I usually let it slide because people see things differently.
-Why do you think that people say that? If people were to think of Hmong dancing, what would they see in their head?
Maybe because they didn't grew up as my culture so they don't find it unique, and girls swinging their hands around and moving their hips with it probably. People who grew up as in the culture.... Probably think that it's boring to watch or just isn't interest in Hmong dancing. Not really sure why because I don't usually hear too much of the guys opinions about it. I mostly hear other race opinion and older people.
-What kind of dancers sew you surrounded by?
There's all kinds of dancers. Dancing can be a serious thing when it comes to a competition. When a group wins, they might criticism but some people would be proud of them and say they deserve it. However, the people who loss will probably be mad, say that the judges cheated and cry.
-How do you feel about judges cheating?
I don't think any judges has cheated when it comes to scoring. Although it's possible, it isn't a big matte to me. In the end, what really matters to me to the hard work my team had put into it and the beautiful memories we as a team has created together. For me, dancing isn't only about winning.
-When dancing to Hmong songs, do you find it similar to Chinese dancing? What is the difference between the two?
Chinese dancing is similar to Hmong dances. It's just some complex and detailed. Because Chinese has so many groups, they have their own style.
-Do you prefer Hmong dancing more or Chinese?
I like them equally.
-In your dancing would you like more flips or more hand movements?
Not flips because I'm bad at that now. But hand movements, yes. I like doing dances with lots of arms and hands movements because it find graceful and it makes the dance both smooth and strong.
-What kind of songs do you guys usually choose?
Any songs that sounds good. Usually we like songs that have both fast and slow parts to it. Our teacher creates the music for us and we decide it if we want it or not.
-How do you guys make the costumes? How is it designed?
Everything is designed by our teacher, then she sends it to China to make it. For the Hmong and Thai, we buy its fabric and has someone make it as we design it.
-Do you ever make your own costume like sew it yourself?
No, if when they send it to us and it doesn't fit perfectly, then our mom will fix it.
-Explain Hmong dancing.
Hmong dancing is the expression of the Hmong culture and their traditions. It has to do with the hand movements which is usually very fragile. There is usually a rhythm to the movement to the feet which goes with the hand movements.
-What is the purpose of Hmong dancing?
The purpose of Hmong dancing is to bring joy to people and show them the Hmong people's custom.
-Why do you like Hmong dancing? Why did you join?
I like Hmong dance because I find it fun. Also, most importantly because I love my culture so I want to express it for others to see how unique it is.
-What are some things you dislike about Hmong dancing?
There really isn't anything about Hmong dancing that I don't like because it's been part of my life ever since growing up.
-How did you learn about Hmong dancing? Like how did you come to know of this or how did you start?
Well my mom used to Hmong dance when she was young so she taught me it, and when I was young she would usually put on Hmong songs and I just jump around and do whatever moves that came to mind. After all those little dance practice that I had with my mom, she decided to let me join a Hmong dance group. I started it when I was in 3rd grade and as time went by, I got better and better.
-Is there anyone against you dancing?
My dad was at first. My dad was more into singing. He wanted me to become a singer but sadly I wasn't a big fan of it. He didn't support me much with dancing but after seeing how much I liked to dance and how much I have improve throughout the years of dancing, he don't mind me doing it now.
-Do you dance every Sunday from 1-5pm?
Yes, but now since we are doing 4 dance which are 2 Chinese, 1 Thai, and 1 Hmong dance. We also dance on Monday at 5:30pm to 8:30pm and have extra practices on any other day of the week for those who wants to go to the studio and practice.
-Does that interfere with your schoolwork or your extracurricular activities?
Yes, because my dance team and dance teacher really expect us to improve every week. It takes up a lot of energy for it. They push us very hard and expects the best out of us so there should be no lacking when it comes to dancing. We were to memorized dance moves quick and workout everyday. We can't be late for practices unless it's for a good reason that is improve by our teacher.
-Is Dao Lan the only teacher you've had?
Yes, but we have a different dance teacher to teach us our Hmong and Thai dance. Dao Lan teaches us the 2 Chinese dance.
-Is this something you want to pursue in college? Is it like a side thing or hobby?
Not really, no. I have a way different goal that I want to pursue in college which is a lot different from dancing. Dancing is just something for me to express my culture and help me with my insecurities. Yes, not only does it allows me to express my culture but also my thoughts and feelings.
-What are some stereotypes or biases about Hmong dancing?
I'm not so sure. I mean, some people find it interesting and some don't.
-What are some bad things people say about Hmong dancing that offends you? And when people think of Hmong dancing, what is the first thing that pops up?
When they say that Hmong dancing is boring and lame. I usually let it slide because people see things differently.
-Why do you think that people say that? If people were to think of Hmong dancing, what would they see in their head?
Maybe because they didn't grew up as my culture so they don't find it unique, and girls swinging their hands around and moving their hips with it probably. People who grew up as in the culture.... Probably think that it's boring to watch or just isn't interest in Hmong dancing. Not really sure why because I don't usually hear too much of the guys opinions about it. I mostly hear other race opinion and older people.
-What kind of dancers sew you surrounded by?
There's all kinds of dancers. Dancing can be a serious thing when it comes to a competition. When a group wins, they might criticism but some people would be proud of them and say they deserve it. However, the people who loss will probably be mad, say that the judges cheated and cry.
-How do you feel about judges cheating?
I don't think any judges has cheated when it comes to scoring. Although it's possible, it isn't a big matte to me. In the end, what really matters to me to the hard work my team had put into it and the beautiful memories we as a team has created together. For me, dancing isn't only about winning.
-When dancing to Hmong songs, do you find it similar to Chinese dancing? What is the difference between the two?
Chinese dancing is similar to Hmong dances. It's just some complex and detailed. Because Chinese has so many groups, they have their own style.
-Do you prefer Hmong dancing more or Chinese?
I like them equally.
-In your dancing would you like more flips or more hand movements?
Not flips because I'm bad at that now. But hand movements, yes. I like doing dances with lots of arms and hands movements because it find graceful and it makes the dance both smooth and strong.
-What kind of songs do you guys usually choose?
Any songs that sounds good. Usually we like songs that have both fast and slow parts to it. Our teacher creates the music for us and we decide it if we want it or not.
-How do you guys make the costumes? How is it designed?
Everything is designed by our teacher, then she sends it to China to make it. For the Hmong and Thai, we buy its fabric and has someone make it as we design it.
-Do you ever make your own costume like sew it yourself?
No, if when they send it to us and it doesn't fit perfectly, then our mom will fix it.