In an exclusive interview, we delve into the vibrant world of the North California Alumni Association’s ceremonial team, which has captured the attention of many in the community. This group, known for their impressive performances at various expatriate events, has roots that trace back to their members’ backyards where they diligently practiced.
Despite many participants having graduated from high school years ago, their commitment to practice remains unwavering. In recent years, the team has even sourced custom uniforms and weapons from Taiwan, as well as refined their skills with newly developed stunts. The alumni association provides an opportunity for those without previous ceremonial experience to join training and performances, making it accessible for all.
The team boasts members spanning four decades, yet they experience no generational divide. Ouyang Yu, a graduate from 2014, shared, “The older sisters take great care of the younger ones, and it feels just like high school. There’s a magical sense of belonging.”
Coach Zhai Yunxiang notes that many students in his time couldn’t participate in the ceremonial team due to parental pressure to focus on academics. Now, the North California Alumni Association has opened doors for those who missed out on that experience. This year, the inclusion of younger sisters has brought fresh energy to their performances.
Zhuang Huiwen, who graduated in 1988, joined the team in 2017 without any prior ceremonial experience. It wasn’t until nearly 20 years after moving to the U.S. that she began training from scratch, motivated by the encouragement of her teammates. “Practicing together for a performance feels just like going back to my student days,” she reflected.
Team manager Zhang Huimei, who joined the group in 2008, initially focused on securing rehearsal spaces. Finding suitable venues was challenging, so she generously offered her backyard for the team’s practices. This arrangement has fostered camaraderie, as teammates share moments of relaxation and bonding after rehearsals.
Zhang recalls the early days when resources were scarce, with team members donning their own white athletic pants and shoes, performing with wooden rifles. They used handmade paper hats in place of the intended yellow-feathered ceremonial hats. By 2017, the team dwindled to just two members, making it difficult to continue.
In an effort to sustain the legacy of the ceremonial team, experienced alumni were brought in for training. Following a standout performance by the Southern California ceremonial team in 2016, the North California group decided to order all costumes and equipment from Taiwan, with tailored fittings. Thanks to the dedication of alumni, the ceremonial team continues to receive new talent and enjoys remarkable success. Some members have even relocated to Houston and helped establish a ceremonial team there.
Ouyang Yu, who only moved to the Bay Area two years ago, shared how witnessing a practice session opened her eyes to the team’s seriousness and the thoughtful design of their uniforms. “They bring the essence of our school’s weaponry and attire to life here in California,” she noted.
With the influx of new generations, the team’s performances now include modern, dynamic techniques. Pang Yunchi, who graduated in 2017, has become the go-to for impressive stunts. Ouyang Yu expressed excitement about this year’s performance, promising that her teammates will further refine their techniques to deliver an even more remarkable show next year, ensuring the spirit of the ceremonial team lives on.
