Gala Archives
2024 Unapologetically Asian Gala
August 12th @ Culture Lab
A night of joy, movement, and community power — our 2024 Unapologetically Asian Gala brought together artists, allies, and culture-shifters to celebrate the brilliance of our communities.
Hosted by the incomparable Queen TuT, the evening featured electrifying music by DJ YiuYiu and soul-stirring solo performances by House of Chow dancers: Hovie Nguyen, Nikki, Aliyah Ali, and Fiona Tsang.
Together, we honored legacy and future: celebrating the birthdays of Hip-Hop, our Founding Artistic Director Yvonne Huatin Chow, and the legendary B-Girl Rokafella, a fierce Lioness in the scene.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening was Hong Bao Time, when our community came together to raise vital funds for our upcoming production, “The Woman in Red. The Child in Blue.”
Thank you to everyone who showed up and supported!
Film Credit: Anna Kuzmina
2024 Unapologetically Asian Awardees:
JEFF CHANG
Writer, Cultural Organizer, Author of Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop
AIKO SHIRAKAWA
Hip-Hop Pioneer & Legend
Sponsors: Culture Lab LIC, The Center for Cultural Power
Supporters: Materials for the Arts, Tuk Tuk, Nouveau Motion, still1, Kathryn Huang
Step & Repeat Photography Credit: Yekaterina Gyadu
Event Photography Credit: Kathryn Huang
2023 Unapologetically Asian Gala
Aug. 7th @ The Red Pavilion
Set against the cinematic glow of The Red Pavilion, the 2023 Unapologetically Asian Gala radiated with the energy of an Asian neo-noir nightclub.
Our host, Brenda from Brooklyn, guided us through a deeply emotional and unforgettable evening. The night opened with a stunning Waacking solo by Hovie Nguyen, setting the tone for a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Sun Kim mesmerized the crowd with a powerful Popping performance, and Shayna Malhotra lit up the stage with a vibrant, high-energy Bollywood number.
We closed the night by honoring two incredible milestones: the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, and the birthdays of our Founding Artistic Director Yvonne Huatin Chow, and Neha Sharma, House of Chow performer.
It was a night of movement, memory, and unapologetic joy.
Film Credit: Anna Kuzmina
2023 Unapologetically Asian Awardees:
Monica Quan
Mother of our Founding Artistic Director, Yvonne Huatin Chow, Arts Lover & Supporter
Sun Kim
Artistic Director of Sun Kim Dance Theater (SKDT)
Kristina Wong
Performance Artist, Comedian, Actor, Writer; Doris Duke Awardee & Guggenheim Fellow
Sponsors: The Red Pavilion, Admerasia
Supporters: Anna Kuzmina, TOTEM Productions, The Kingdom Dance Company
Photography Credit: Anna Kuzmina
2020 Unapologetically Asian {Virtual Series}
Aug. 11 & 14 @ IG & FB Live
Following the 2019 Unapologetically Asian Launch Party and in response to the pandemic, the 2020 Virtual Series kept the momentum going with two powerful online events featuring iconic dancers in the field.
Asian Women in Hip-Hop Dance
A global cultural conversation led by Yvonne featuring fellow Asian women in Hip-Hop Dance, sharing their journeys, challenges, and triumphs as respected contributors and guests of the culture.
Asian Americans in Professional Dance
Yvonne (Hip-Hop Dancer) and Candy (Contemporary Dancer) explore how cultural identity shapes purpose and performance. Their inspiring stories aim to uplift and empower the next generation of Asian dancers.
Learn their story. Honor their culture. Join the movement.
Supporters: Anna Kuzmina, TOTEM Productions
Photography Credit: Anna Kuzmina
2019 Unapologetically Asian Launch Party
Aug. 10th @ The Guild Hall
To mark its 5th anniversary, House of Chow transformed its annual media project, Unapologetically Asian, into a vibrant celebration of community and culture.
Guests were welcomed by the rich aromas of Chef Charlotte Nguyen’s soulful dinner. After sharing a communal meal, the audience was treated to the premiere of the 2019 Unapologetically Asian visuals—making them the first to experience the project’s bold vision.
Dancerpreneur’s Steph Lo hosted a powerful conversation with House of Chow’s Artistic Director Yvonne Huatin Chow and Complexions contemporary dancer, Candy Tong, exploring their parallel journeys from the Bay Area to New York City. Together, they shared insights on navigating the professional dance world as Asian American women and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way.
The night closed with a joyful birthday celebration—honoring both Yvonne and the spirit of Hip-Hop.
Sponsors: The Guild Hall
Supporters: Dancerpreneur, Charlotte Nguyen, Prime Produce Apprentice Cooperative (PPAC), Anna Kuzmina, TOTEM Productions