In the last 30 years, children who are overweight in the United States tripled to
15%. Today, America is proven to be at its peak of the Obesity epidemic. Asian
American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) is no exception, with 3 times of AAPI children
overweight than 1980s. Often Childhood obesity is addressed as a public health issue,
but it also as a cultural issue. We are so affected by our cultures because it shapes our
life-styles, and the food we eat. However, less emphasis is putting on adapting different
culture models and values when promoting Healthy Easting and Physical Exercise. We
see childhood obesity is not just the problem of food system, or only struggle among low-
income families, it's also a cultural related problem.
To respond to such problem, Asian Media Access teams up with Iny Asian Dance
Theater to promote a Bi-cultural Healthy Life Style concept targeting low-income AAPI
youth with FREE Asian dance/acrobatics/martial arts classes at poorest neighborhoods
in North Minneapolis, MN. Our strategy is to emphasis on cultural pride and parent
involvement as motivations for youth to exercise more. By wearing beautiful costume,
listening to traditional music, stepping into ancient footsteps, it gives youth a sense of
self-esteem, and cultural identity other sports would not offer, along with strong parents’
support in preserving the cultural traditions. Our project supports the believes of Let’s
Move!: empowering parents, improving access to healthy foods, and increasing
physical activity. AAPIs used to live in a culture that promotes self-sustaining, workout
according to seasons, and simple living philosophies. Therefore, we support our youth to
respect the traditional culture their parents held on to and rediscover the beauty of Asian
exercises, and live in a simple and positive life-style.
Isn't now the time we start moving to the healthy rhythm of our culture?
These dancers are amazing. I saw them for the first time last year. They are incredible. I had a son that when he was 14 was close to 200 lbs. After he started dancing he is slim, trim and in good shape.
16 comments
Xiaolu Wang • about 14 years ago
Description:
In the last 30 years, children who are overweight in the United States tripled to
15%. Today, America is proven to be at its peak of the Obesity epidemic. Asian
American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) is no exception, with 3 times of AAPI children
overweight than 1980s. Often Childhood obesity is addressed as a public health issue,
but it also as a cultural issue. We are so affected by our cultures because it shapes our
life-styles, and the food we eat. However, less emphasis is putting on adapting different
culture models and values when promoting Healthy Easting and Physical Exercise. We
see childhood obesity is not just the problem of food system, or only struggle among low-
income families, it's also a cultural related problem.
To respond to such problem, Asian Media Access teams up with Iny Asian Dance
Theater to promote a Bi-cultural Healthy Life Style concept targeting low-income AAPI
youth with FREE Asian dance/acrobatics/martial arts classes at poorest neighborhoods
in North Minneapolis, MN. Our strategy is to emphasis on cultural pride and parent
involvement as motivations for youth to exercise more. By wearing beautiful costume,
listening to traditional music, stepping into ancient footsteps, it gives youth a sense of
self-esteem, and cultural identity other sports would not offer, along with strong parents’
support in preserving the cultural traditions. Our project supports the believes of Let’s
Move!: empowering parents, improving access to healthy foods, and increasing
physical activity. AAPIs used to live in a culture that promotes self-sustaining, workout
according to seasons, and simple living philosophies. Therefore, we support our youth to
respect the traditional culture their parents held on to and rediscover the beauty of Asian
exercises, and live in a simple and positive life-style.
Isn't now the time we start moving to the healthy rhythm of our culture?
Ange Hwang • about 14 years ago
Great video, like the different Asian dances, and beautiful costume. Appreciate your bi-cultural healthy lifestyle concept. Keep the good work!
See Xiong • about 14 years ago
Awesome video! :D
Julia Kong • about 14 years ago
Proud to be part of the organization, what an awesome and energetic video. Keep movin' - everybody!
Mai Vang • about 14 years ago
I love the idea to dance and to lose weight. Goods idea. Wish you the best to win the contest :)
Iris Lu • about 14 years ago
Asian Dance is awesome, love your slogan - moving to the healthy rhythm of our culture!!
Pa Xiong • about 14 years ago
Very nice ;)
Fei Lang Lu • about 14 years ago
Can't believe your dance group can do so many different dances, keep the good work to fight the obesity in our Asian community.
Ab Hared • about 14 years ago
Hi, dancers, keep those cultural steps going.......
Xuefeng LeeSong • about 14 years ago
Please help submit a vote. Thank you! -xuefengleesongHMONGHEROES.
kiiiaa xiongg • about 14 years ago
AWESOME!!!
Yangchee Yang • about 14 years ago
The best dancers ever! :D
Cee See • about 14 years ago
First time noticed so many/different Asian dances, great idea to loose weight with cultural dance.
Hee Vang • about 14 years ago
Keep the good works, guys :)
Pete Walbolt • about 14 years ago
These dancers are amazing. I saw them for the first time last year. They are incredible. I had a son that when he was 14 was close to 200 lbs. After he started dancing he is slim, trim and in good shape.
Ramen Ya • about 14 years ago
Hello, everyone: 5 days left to vote, we are in the 20th place, see if we can push up to 15th. VOTE EVERYDAY :)