how it all began
A wonderful serenity has taken possession of her.
STC Foundation is a non-profit organization formed to promote the appreciation of Asian culture and its arts, to edify and enrich our community, and to instill social and moral values in our younger generation. Dance Impressions Productions was established in 1994, aims to instill cultural awareness, appreciation of dance, and encourage self confidence and growth. Our dancers are trained in many dance forms, including Chinese classical dance, folk dance, drums, martial arts, ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip hop, as well as flexibility discipline. We highly encourage our dancers to be well rounded in every form of dance. STC Performing Arts is formed in 2016 with the mission to develop and foster the creative talents of its members in performing arts and culture. We aim to teach the invaluable lessons of discipline, appreciation, commitment, and team motivation. Through participation and contribution, members gain the opportunity to train and enrich their talents. Together, we bring a positive impact to our surrounding through community outreach and cultural exchange.
Under the leadership of Mr. John Hsu and Ms. Anne, we emphasize our core value and play key roles in promoting culture by participating in numerous functions in and around Southern California, including annual Disney Lunar New Year Celebration since 2011, annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Celebration at Downtown Disney, annual city parades, The Pasadena Tournament of the Roses Parade, International Travel Shows, and partnership performances with TzuChi Foundation at Segerstrom Performing Arts Center and Microsoft Theater to promote the awareness of environmental protection, medicine, health, education, and culture.
Artistic Director –
Anne Ma 馬淑芬
Anne Ma began her early dance training at the age of four and at thirteen, the emerging dancer began her teaching career. Anne continued her professional career after graduating from the Dance Department of Taiwan Tainan University of Technology. Recognized by her talents, Anne was employed as a professional performer at Disneyland from 1997-2010 while guest performed in a variety of productions throughout the country. As a renowned performer, Anne is also known for her award winning choreographies and her artistic leadership qualities extended to working as Stage Manager and Lightning Designer in many major dance productions. Anne has been invited to judge for many regional and local beauty pageants and singing competitions including ETTV Top Idol and more. Anne is also the recipient of many regional, national, and intentional dance awards. Among her many honors, Anne received the Outstanding Young Achiever Award of Southern California in 1997 and in 2012. In 2005, she was honored with the Phoenix Dancing Award, the highest acknowledgement in dance presented by the Dance Association of Taiwan. In 2014, Anne was presented with the Cultural Creation Award as well as the influential Educator Award for her 30 years of dedicated service to arts and education. In 2017, Anne was selected by Congressman Ed Royce to represent the local non-profit sector and accompany him to receive the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon by the President of Taiwan.
Associate Artistic Director – Josephine Shih
Born in Taiwan, Josephine started dancing at the age of four, trained in classical ballet, Chinese traditional dance, modern, and Chinese opera wu-gong style. Recognized by her talents, Josephine was elected to attend the first elementary dance experimental program school in Taipei and performed for events held for visiting foreign presidents and political leaders from around the world. At age nine, she took the stage of the prestigious Taiwan National Theatre with professional dancers in a Swan Lake ballet production. After moving to the states, Josephine continued her ballet training at Princeton Preparatory Ballet School of the Princeton Ballet Company in New Jersey. Simultaneously under the direction of a former instructor from National Taiwan College of Performing Arts 國立臺灣復興劇校, Josephine refined her skills in the fundamentals of Chinese opera drama dance art forms. Building on her dance foundation, Josephine started training in contemporary modern dance while teaching dance classes at her high school, performed in major state held events, and became a final candidate for the Governor’s School of Dance in New Jersey.
Josephine joined Lan Ling Dance Studio (current Dance Impressions Productions) in 1998. Josephine has competed in various national dance competitions such as LA American Chinese Dance Festival Dance Competition, StarPower, Spotlight, Starbound, and Showstopper National Talent Competitions. She ranked first place in many teacher’s categories with additional entertainment and judges’ awards. In 2005, Josephine was selected to represent and attend the American Dance Festival. Additionally, Josephine was nominated by American Chinese Dance Association and received the 2014 Outstanding Youth Achievement Award 優秀青年獎.
