MOCA PERFORMS - Heteroglossia, Pt. 2, Day 1

Museum of Chinese in America's 2024-2025 Performing-Artist-In-Residence program welcomes a cohort of 5 performing artists to generate a theme-based project. This year’s theme, Heteroglossia, encourages the resident artists to explore the construct of identity based on their particular lifestyles and cultures.

"MOCA Performs – Heteroglossia, Pt. 2" will present the resident artists’ works-in-progress. Audiences will experience the resident artists' works, gain insights into the cultural and artistic nuances of each project, and learn about the refined visions and timelines leading to the final presentation outside of the residency.

Filmmaker MIN DING will present a documentary film Weaving Identity: Self-Coming & Beyond. This project delves into the legacy of Cantonese women who chose celibacy over marriage, challenging cultural norms and celebrating self-autonomy, and how it resonates with today’s society.

Flamenco Dancer YASMINA YUEXI will present a dance project, Echoes of Golden Venture, with an ensemble of musicians. This project depicts the sentiments and resilience shared by the immigrants. It aims to honor the experiences of those who sought after a better life, and to ensure their stories will never be forgotten.

MIN DING, film

Born and raised in China, Min Ding is a distinguished alumna of Columbia University where she honed her filmmaking craft, earning an M.F.A. in Film in 2013. She was awarded the prestigious Student Production Grant by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation during her studies. She is the writer/director of several award-winning short filmsincluding Three Light Bulbs, which premiered at the Busan International Film Festival in 2013; Rattlefly premiered at Vancouver International Film Festival and won the Best Short award at Cinequest Film Festival. Her most recent short film The Other Moon Goddess was supported by ArtsWestcher and Sundance Institute.

YASMINA YUEXI, flamenco dance

Yasmina Yuexi, born in Beijing, China, began her artistic journey at the age of four with piano and classical music training. She joined the Jinfan Choir in middle school, performing alto and piano at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA). In 2009, Yasmina discovered Flamenco, studying in Madrid, Sevilla, New York, and Beijing. Expanding her dance repertoire since 2018, she incorporates Ballet, Classical Chinese Dance, Jazz, Krump, Tap, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop. Her cross-cultural works, such as “Pregón de Candied Haws por Flamenco” and “Flamenco por Spring Festival Overture,” explore cultural intersections. Winning first prize at Flamenco Certamen USA in 2023, she performed at prestigious venues across the US. In 2024, Yasmina collaborated with Blackbird Dance Company on “The Message,” reflecting on climate change. Yasmina continues to explore dance as a medium for bridging cultures and storytelling, aiming to inspire audiences through innovative performances.

Host or Publisher Museum of Chinese in America