People of Our Company
ARTISTIC STAFF
Emily Cheung
Artistic Director
Emily Cheung is an educator, performer, and choreographer who holds degrees in B.F.A., B. Ed., and M.A. from York University, with a specialization in Dance. Her extensive training took place across China, Hong Kong, the United States, and Canada. Renowned for her pivotal role in fostering cross-cultural connections and facilitating collaborations with international artists dedicated to traditional and modern Chinese dance in Toronto, Ms. Cheung received recognition as one of the prominent figures during the 150th Anniversary celebration of Canada, being honored as one of the ten “Voices of Chinese Canadian Women” in Ontario. She was also a finalist for the Muriel Sherrin Award, nominated for The Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes/Les Prix Johanna-Metcalf des Arts de la scène. She is a board member for Dance Ontario. Over the years, Emily has created or produced over 20 full-length shows and films in dance, and has championed over 200 touring performances.
Currently serving as the Artistic Director of Little Pear Garden Dance Company in Toronto, Ms. Cheung is an active member of the board of directors for Dance Ontario. Her expertise encompasses both Chinese Classical dance and Chinese Contemporary dance. Emily Cheung is deeply committed to preserving the essence of traditional Chinese dance, crafting contemporary expressions that pay homage to Chinese heritage, and engaging in collaborative ventures with artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to create works imbued with distinctive aesthetic values.
News article on Ms. Cheung celebrating her 10th anniversary with the company.
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Victor Tan
Executive Director
Victor Tan is an avid art supporter, participant and promoter. He is also a seasoned corporate management professional and an entrepreneur, well versed in company governance and operational excellence. Victor brings to the company his experience in technology, marketing, human resource and project management, supporting the company’s artistic development with the business dimension and discipline. In his other pursuits, Victor is a photographer, graphic designer, violinist, pianist, percussionist and a painter. He has been a choir conductor for many years.
vi****@li**************.com
Fang Wang
Resident Choreographer
Fang Wang is a choreographer and dance educator. She graduated from the Department of Choreography at the Beijing Dance Academy with a bachelor’s and master’s degree. She obtained her second degree of Directing Major at the Central Academy of Drama. Having worked at the Beijing Dance Academy for 15 years, Wang focused on the teaching, research, and repertoire creation of Chinese Han and Tang classical dance. She participated in the compilation of the Han and Tang Classical dance series textbooks which won the National Quality Course award. Her choreographies were also winners of many awards. Wang is now a Canadian resident and is committed to the promotion of Chinese classical dance in Canada.
Yi Yuan
Resident Choreographer
Yi Yuan is had begun her Chinese dance training from a young age at the Beijing International Arts School, specializing in both classical and contemporary Chinese dance styles. Yi is a professional performer and experienced dance educator with a BFA and an MA in Dance at York University. Her enthusiasm and motivation in Chinese dance have informed her research interests, focusing on the transmission and the evolvement of Chinese dance in Canada.
**@li**************.com
Jiapei Ma
Resident Choreographer
Jiapei Ma finished her bachelor degree of dancing and got certificate of teaching in Guangzhou South China Normal University, where she studied Chinese classical dance, folk dance and contemporary dance. Her choreography was awarded excellence in Hong Kong’s competition, and was showcased in Beijing’s dance festival. Currently, she is a dance instructor with rich experiences on teaching and dance performances.
Lina Zhao
Arts Manager
Lina Zhao holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Public Relations Corporate Communication graduate certificate from Seneca College. From working with the public for over four years, Lina has been able to gain many hands-on experiences working with a breadth of people, developing interpersonal communication skills and problem-solving. With the love of arts at a young age, she brings her lifelong passion for the arts to the company.
ma*****@li**************.com
Janice Li
Project Coordinator
Janice Li holds an Honours Bachelor of Visual Studies degree from Lingnan University in Hong Kong and an M.A. in Research in Film and Creative Writing from the University of Birmingham. From working in education, art, and culture for three years in Hong Kong, the Dominican Republic, and Canada, Janice has gained experience working with a breadth of people, developing interpersonal skills, organization skills, and problem-solving skills. She also gained the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) which is an asset for project coordination.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Zoheir Hasanbhai
President
Zoher Hasanbhai, an ardent supporter of the Little Pear Garden Dance Company, brings his extensive business acumen to the Board. Born in Hong Kong and fluent in Cantonese, Zoher is currently a Director of the Rotary Club of Mississauga and the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (Toronto). He has also served as President of the Can-Education Consortium and as Director of the St. Joseph’s College HK Alumni Association Toronto. Mississauga Chinese Business Association and Brampton Chinese Business Association.
Megan Schroeder
Treasurer
Megan Schroeder is a Dance Educator with the Toronto District School Board. For the last 7 years, she has been employed by Claude Watson School for the Arts where she teaches Dance to grade 4 – 8 students. In addition to receiving her undergraduate degree in Dance from York, she also received her Junior/Intermediate teaching qualifications from YU’s Faculty of Ed. in the specialized Fine Arts division. After completing her Honors Specialist in Dance at York University in 2007, Megan has gone on to take an active role in Professional Dance, and Dance Education initiatives across the province. In addition to her work as President of Little Pear Garden Collective, Megan is also on the Executive committee for the Pulse Ontario Youth Dance Conference.
Dr. Dickson Liu
Membership/Co-Treasurer
Dickson is an art lover and enthusiast. He has been a strong supporter of LPGDC for many years and has a vested interest in the company’s success. His financial contributions, and his work behind the scenes are strong testaments to his commitment to Little Pear Garden, and its core values and mission. He has been instrumental in introducing the company to the Chinese community and bringing in new audiences.
John Charles
Secretary
John is an accomplished musician who has had a long and varied career involving the arts, mainly as a choral conductor and accompanist, in Canada, America, England, Australia and New Zealand. With his extensive experience in the arts and in traveling and living in different countries, and with his understanding of various cultures, he brings with him not only a love and appreciation for the arts but a valuable skillset which includes creative thinking and active listening, facilitation and mentorship, decision making and reaching consensus, and oral and written communication, all with a sense of humour. John is extremely proud to be able to serve in this capacity, supporting and advocating for the Little Pear Garden Dance Company in particular and for the arts in general.
Sandra Yeung Racco
Sandra Yeung Racco has worked tirelessly on behalf of her constituents for more than 13 years. During her three terms on Vaughan Council, she has been a driving force in bringing new parks, community centres and other vital services to her constituents. Additionally, she has played an integral role in arts and cultural initiatives, addressing the needs of youth and seniors, and collaborating with other levels of government to extend the subway into Vaughan, along with other much needed infrastructures. Sandra was born in Hong Kong, raised in Ontario, studied music and obtained her A.R.C.T. at the Royal Conservatory of Music and graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. After graduation, the Councillor ventured into the world of international business relations, developing an understanding of the needs of global business communities. However, it was her volunteer work in the not-for-profit sector where she developed her drive to help in her local community. Sandra’s background and experience blend business relations, the arts, family and a complex understanding of the needs and priorities of her constituents. She is committed to delivering results beyond the level of expectation and to building a vibrant community in Ward 4. Sandra currently lives in Thornhill with her husband and four children.
Website: 4mycommunity.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/raccoscommunityforum Twitter: @4mycommunity Instagram: @councilloryeungracco
ADVISERS AND VOLUNTEERS
Anh Truong
Volunteer
Anh Truong is a proud supporter and admirer of the performing arts. She is a mother of two teenage daughters, one in competitive synchronized swimming and the other in music theatre. Anh and her husband also competed in international ballroom dancing for 10 years.
