Laura Latzko

Special for The Republic | azcentral.com

Music, dance, jump ropes and Chinese yo-yos have the power to do more than entertain. They can also help to promote diversity and cultural understanding.

As part of the 37th anniversary of the partnership between Sister Cities Phoenix and Taipei, Taiwan, Phoenix Sister Cities’ Taipei committee will host a folk dance, music, art and sports performance on July 28 at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.

Phoenix has relationships with ten Sister Cities around the world. Through these partnerships, political and business leaders, youth ambassadors, educators, biotech and science companies and cultural and arts representatives promote cultural awareness and diversity, share ideas and information, network with each other and form personal and professional relationships.

The cities of Taipei; Hermosillo, Mexico; and Himeji, Japan; have all had sister-city relationships with Phoenix for over 30 years.

Phoenix Sister Cities Taipei committee chair Lin Ling Lee said the anniversary has special meaning for both Phoenix and Taipei because of the longevity and impact of the relationship.

During the upcoming celebration, a performance group from Taipei blending dance, music, athletics and Chinese yo-yo and jump rope performance arts will share their cultural traditions and art forms with audiences.

“We believe culture is a way to connect people closer together. Through culture, people appreciate each other more,” Lee said. “If people respect each other’s culture, the world will become more peaceful.”

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The Taipei committee last hosted the Taipei Youth Folk Sports Group at the Orpheum Theater in 2003.

The group will visit Phoenix as part of a tour that will also head to Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles.

The performance group is made up of around 40 youths, ranging from 12 to 15 years old.

Taipei committee vice chair Wen Chyi Chiu said many of the performers have been studying art forms such as the Chinese yo-yo since they were young children.

“The schools have after-school programs to keep students engaged and keep their heritage alive for generations,” Chiu said.

Many Taiwanese art forms have been influenced by the martial arts and acrobatic styles of mainland China.

Chiu said Taiwanese performance styles often blend of folk arts and athletics.

During the high-energy performances, the Taipei students will incorporate acrobatic moves, kicks, yo-yo tosses and tricks involving yo-yos and jump ropes.

Audiences can also expect to see Chinese yo-yos that light up and skilled performers that can handle three to four yo-yos at a time.

Lee said the Chinese yo-yo requires great discipline and balance, developed over time.

“You are training yourself to balance your mind and body,” Lee said. “The yo-yo will tangle together at first. If you learn to balance, and your mind and body works together, it will be smooth.”

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The Taipei committee also puts on annual summer camps with opportunities for Phoenix youth to try Taiwanese food, learn more about Taiwan and get hands-on instruction in art forms such as the Chinese yo-yo.

The committee and its partners in Taipei have also hosted art shows, boxer training sessions and baseball tournaments, and city officials from Phoenix and Taipei have visited each other’s countries.

The mayor of Taipei made a special trip to Phoenix this March.

During the upcoming performance, Taipei delegates representing different governmental departments will be in attendance.

Youth ambassadors from Taipei and other Sister Cities will also attend the event.

Every year, three youth ambassadors from Taipei and Phoenix visit each other’s countries as part of immersive cultural experiences.

Chiu said in getting to know each other on a personal level, students understand each other better.

“We want them to share the beauty of each other’s cultures. We want them to see the beauty of Taiwan and have global friendships,” Chiu said.

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Taipei Youth Folk Sports Performance

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 28.

Where: Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 1375 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix.

Admission: $20 general admission.

Details: phoenixsistercities.org.