During a recent interview, we explored the inspiring dynamics of the Northern California alumni association’s ceremonial team, which performs at various community events. The team’s roots trace back to practices held in the backyard of member Zhang Huimei’s home. Despite many members having graduated from high school years ago, their commitment to practice and improvement has remained unwavering. In recent years, they even sourced custom uniforms and equipment from Taiwan and refined their performance techniques.
The team spans a wide age range, with no generational divides. Ouyang Yu, a 2014 graduate, shared, “The older sisters take great care of the younger ones, making it feel just like high school again. There’s this magical sense of belonging.”
Coach Zhai Yunxiang noted that many North Da Yi graduates were unable to join the team in high school due to parental expectations regarding academics. Now, the alumni association offers a chance for those without prior experience to join training and performances. This year, the addition of younger members has invigorated the team’s routines with fresh ideas.
Zhuang Huiwen, who graduated in 1988 and joined the team in 2017, reflected on her journey: “I hadn’t had any prior experience before joining. It’s been nearly 20 years since I moved to the U.S., and starting from scratch has been rewarding. It feels nostalgic—practicing together and working towards a performance is almost like going back to my student days.”
Zhang Huimei has been the manager of the team since joining in 2008, primarily overseeing rehearsal space rentals. When consistent rental opportunities became difficult to secure, she decided to offer her well-kept backyard for team practices, which not only served as a rehearsal space but also fostered camaraderie among teammates.
Zhang explained that in the team’s early days, resources and funding were scarce. Members performed in their own white athletic pants and shoes, using wooden rifles instead of the intended hats adorned with vibrant yellow feathers, which were substituted with homemade paper hats. At one point in 2017, the team was down to just two members, making ongoing performances a significant challenge.
To sustain the team’s legacy, experienced alumni were enlisted for training. After witnessing an impressive performance by a sister team in Southern California in 2016, the Northern California team decided to order custom uniforms and rifles from Taiwan, ensuring they were tailored for each member. Thanks to the efforts of alumni, the team continues to attract new talent and has seen remarkable success in recent performances. Some members have even relocated to Houston, where they have initiated a new alumni team.
Ouyang Yu, a newcomer to the Bay Area, expressed her excitement upon observing the team’s rehearsal through a friend’s introduction. She remarked on the serious nature of their practice and the exquisite attention to detail in their uniforms, stating, “They truly bring the essence of North Da Yi’s performances to life here.”
As a new generation of team members joins, the performances have begun to incorporate more contemporary and flashy techniques. Pang Yunqi, known for her stunts, is particularly skilled in high tosses. Ouyang added that this year’s performances are thrilling, with plans for even more refined techniques in the future to ensure the spirit of the team continues to thrive.
