Studio Spotlight Vol. 2
- Radhanath Thialan (Rad)
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 5
Apr - Jun 2025
Thank You for an Incredible 2024/25 Season!
As we wrap up another unforgettable year at YDA, we want to thank all our dancers, families, and supporters for making the 2024/25 season so special. Your passion, dedication, and love for dance continue to inspire us every day. We hope you’re enjoying a well-deserved summer break—stay safe, stay joyful, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for an exciting new season ahead!
Inside this issue:
A look back at our unforgettable Recital, exciting results from the KAR Dance Competition, plus exclusive behind-the-scenes bonus content!
INTRODUCING YDA MERCHANDISE
NEW ADDITION! We now have our very own merchandise store here at YDA! Apparels, Leotards and many more will be coming soon! Stay tuned for this exciting expansion here at YDA!
YDA Dominates at KAR Exclusive - Upland, CA!
YDA shined bright at the KAR Dance Competition, earning Studio of Excellence, Top Scores, Special Awards, and unforgettable memories. These achievements are more than just trophies—they’re a reflection of our mission to nurture the next generation not only as dancers, but as confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals. We couldn’t be prouder of our students’ growth both on and off the stage!
A Night to Remember: YDA Recital Shines Bright!
THE LOS ANGELES POST:
A Decade of Dance Brilliance: Yaya Dance Academy’s 10th Annual Gala and “Star of Tomorrow” Competition Shine Bright!
SUMMER MOVIE NIGHT:
YDA GALA 2025 VIDEO IS OUT!
*RSDC Video will be out at the end of the month. Please check back by Jul 31st. Sorry for the delay.
Our 2025/26 Season Calendar & Schedule will be out in the next week!
Mark your calendars for important dates, register for classes and see your class schedule! All information for the new season will be posted on our website by July 15th.
BONUS CONTENTS
LA's 65th HOLIDAY CELEBRATION SPECIAL PERFORMANCE!
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 24, 2024 – THE WARRIORS was honored to be selected to perform at LA’s 65th Annual Holiday Celebration, a prestigious event broadcast live nationwide on PBS SoCal. We are incredibly proud of our students for rising to the occasion and representing YDA with such professionalism.
As seen in the video, performing on stage is one thing—but dancing for a live televised audience is an entirely different experience. With numerous close-up shots capturing every detail, precision and expressiveness became more important than ever.
Through the rehearsal process, our dancers learned to perform with intentionality and focus. Every facial expression, movement, hairstyle, makeup choice, and costume had to be camera-ready. The choreography needed to be delivered with even more energy and clarity to ensure the intensity could be felt through the screen—just as powerfully as it would be in person.
In case you missed it, you can watch it here:
Work hard, play HARDER! Christmas Eve or 2024 at The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
BEYOND CHOREOGRAPHY: THE ART OF CUSTOM COSTUMING AT YDA
At YDA, we pride ourselves not only on crafting personalized choreography tailored to each dancer’s unique strengths and story—but also on the complete artistic package that follows them onto the stage. One of the most distinctive elements of the YDA experience is our custom-designed costumes, created in-house with the same level of care and intention as the choreography itself.
In major companies, this level of detail usually involves multiple professionals: a designer, a tailor, an embellishment artist, and external shipping and handling costs—all of which add up quickly. At YDA, our small but mighty creative team handles it all. Thanks to our close collaborations with top industry talents, we’re able to deliver high-quality, customized costumes at a price that’s typically $200–$300 less than industry standard, without compromising on design or craftsmanship.
We believe every dancer deserves to feel like a star—not just in how they move, but in how they look. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we bring these costume creations to life at YDA (we will be using Awakening of the Forest Guardians as an example):
Step 1: Creative Vision with Mr. Rad
The costume journey begins with Mr. Rad, who not only choreographs but also designs each costume to match the mood, style, and individuality of the dancers. His multi-role ensures that the visual and movement aspects of each performance are in perfect harmony.
Step 2: Production by Ms. Yaya & Her Trusted Tailors
Once the designs are finalized, Ms. Yaya reaches out to her trusted network of experienced tailors in China. These long-standing partnerships allow us to produce beautifully crafted, high-quality costumes at a fraction of the cost you’d find elsewhere.
Step 3: Community Support: Families That Go the Extra Mile
To help keep costs manageable and avoid expensive international shipping for small orders, our amazing parents sometimes step in! Families have kindly helped hand-carry costumes back from overseas—true examples of the community spirit that defines YDA.
Step 4: Makeup & Styling Magic
Tiffany Li (Sharon Xi’s mom) and Na Ye (Clara Xie’s mom) also contribute their creative talents to face and body makeup design, brainstorming ideas with Mr. Rad to ensure the final stage look is cohesive, expressive, and bold enough for both the stage and the camera. Every detail—from lashes to shimmer—is considered with care.
Step 5: Fitting, Final Touches, and Cohesion
Costumes are carefully fitted, embellished, and adjusted so dancers not only look stunning, but feel confident and comfortable while performing. The result? A seamless visual experience that elevates each performance to a professional standard.
At YDA, custom costuming isn’t just about looking good—it’s an extension of storytelling. With the combined talents of Mr. Rad, Ms. Yaya, and our supportive parent community, we’re proud to offer a truly special experience that brings every dancer’s performance to life from the inside out.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates — and thank you for being part of the YDA family!
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