Shining Stars showcase spotlights youth arts exchange in Los Angeles

By AI, Created 8:31 PM UTC, June 01, 2026, /AGP/ – Young performers from Southern California took the stage in Los Angeles for the latest North America City Showcase of Shining Stars, an arts and culture program aimed at linking Chinese American youth with peers across borders. Organizers say the series will expand to more U.S. cities this summer, with standout participants also invited to China for cultural exchange activities.

Why it matters: - The Los Angeles showcase used performance arts to connect young people across cultures and strengthen youth exchange between China and the United States. - The event gave Chinese American youth a public stage to show bilingual skills, cultural identity, and artistic confidence. - Organizers say the program is building an international pipeline for cultural exchange that extends beyond one-night performances.

What happened: - The Los Angeles division of the Shining Stars International Arts & Culture Week – North America City Showcase was held in Los Angeles, California. - Young performers from across Southern California took part in the event. - The showcase was presented with support from Zhejiang Radio and Television Group. - Zhejiang TV Children’s Channel and the Global Youth Arts & Culture Foundation jointly initiated the program. - The event featured vocal music, dance, language arts, instrumental music, modeling, and stage presentation. - The audience included parents, educators, and local arts and cultural community members.

The details: - Huangfu Junjie, co-initiator of Shining Stars, producer, and television host from Zhejiang TV Children’s Channel, said the project is meant to be a bridge for cultural exchange between China and the United States. - Huangfu said the program aims to give overseas Chinese youth an international platform to reconnect with Chinese culture through artistic expression. - Huangfu also said the showcase helps the world see the confidence and creativity of today’s younger generation. - Chelsy Feng, head of VIBES LA, said the local partner hopes the platform gives young people opportunities to showcase themselves and grow through performance. - Feng said the program is meant to help participants gain confidence, friendship, and personal growth while discovering artistic expression. - Wang Zaozao, co-initiator and marketing director of Shining Stars, co-hosted the event with four young hosts. - The young hosts were Los Angeles-based Lyrik Xu and Sophia Berry, plus Alyssa Chang and Ava Chang, who traveled from New York after auditions. - The hosts were applauded for bilingual presentation skills and stage presence. - Young performers used music, dance, and storytelling to share personal passions, dreams, and cultural stories. - Attendees said the showcase highlighted the professionalism and confidence of the performers. - Attendees also said the event showed the preservation and continuation of Chinese culture among younger generations growing up overseas.

Between the lines: - The showcase paired entertainment with identity-building, reflecting how arts programs can serve as cultural diplomacy. - The bilingual hosting and mixed-city participation suggest the event is designed to link Chinese American youth across regions, not just in one local market. - The emphasis on confidence, cultural continuity, and international perspective points to a broader goal than talent discovery alone.

What’s next: - Shining Stars plans upcoming showcases in Washington, D.C. and Boston. - The series will culminate in a final showcase in New York later this summer. - Outstanding participants will have the opportunity to travel to China for program recordings at Zhejiang Radio and Television Group headquarters. - Selected participants will also take part in cultural exchange activities in Guizhou. - Organizers say the program will continue using art as a bridge for youth from different backgrounds.