Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bonnie Yuen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Bonnie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful aspect of what we do is helping to reignite the spark and passion in couples. It is incredibly rewarding to witness and be part of their journey as they learn to communicate through their bodies, develop a deeper connection with one another, and see their partner blossom with newfound confidence.

There is one couple that I will remember for the rest of my career; for their privacy, we will call them Chris and Shannon. They came into the studio to learn how to dance together. Initially without specific dance goals in mind, they learned the Rumba, Swing, and Foxtrot. After three months and over twelve lessons, Chris and Shannon finally felt comfortable enough to attend their first dance party. The next day, I received a phone call from Chris out of the blue. He said, ‘I just wanted to let you know that last night after the party, as Shannon and I were leaving the studio, she held my hand for the first time in 2 years.’ Chris went on to share with me that they had been recommended to start taking dance lessons by their marriage counselor. He said these dance lessons were their last hope in saving their marriage, and for the first time in a long while, he saw hope at the end of the tunnel.

Chris and Shannon’s story and many others similar to theirs is what makes my job so rewarding and so meaningful.

Bonnie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Bonnie Yuen. I was born in Hong Kong and moved to the United States when I was 6 years old. My journey with dancing started in high school, where I studied and performed basic ballet, jazz, modern, lyrical, and contemporary styles. By the time I turned 18, I had joined the WNBA Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Squad and later danced for the AFL Arizona Rattlers Sidewinder team. This ignited my passion for dance, leading me to teach and compete in hip hop and Brazilian Samba, and even pursue a brief career as an aerialist.

In 2009, I ventured into ballroom dancing, marking the beginning of my career teaching and competing in American Rhythm and Smooth styles both with students and professionally. Over my 15+ years in ballroom, I’ve been honored with awards such as Top New Student Specialist, Top Competitive Student Teacher, and Top Regional Teacher, among others. My competitive achievements include titles like Rising Star American Rhythm Vice-Champion, National American Smooth finalist, and Regional American Smooth Champion.

Now, I am thrilled to bring all my knowledge and experience to Creative Dance Collective, where I look forward to sharing my passion for dance with others.

At Creative Dance Collective (CDC) Studios, we are dedicated to providing exceptional dance instruction within a warm and inclusive environment that nurtures both dancers and creatives alike. Our mission is to cultivate a supportive community where individuals can thrive, encouraging each other to achieve their personal goals through the transformative power of music and movement.

At CDC Studios, we hold the belief that dance transcends mere steps; it is a profound form of self-expression, creativity, and personal development. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere where our students can passionately explore their love for dance, hone their skills, and forge enduring friendships. Our goal is to empower individuals to embrace their unique talents and aspirations while fostering a lifelong appreciation for the art of dance.

CDC Studios provides an extensive array of partner dance styles, encompassing Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Bachata, Country, West Coast Swing, Latin Hustle, Wedding Dances, and more. Additionally, our curriculum includes specialty classes such as Hot Hula Fitness, Line Dancing, and K-pop Dance Classes. We cater to diverse learning preferences with offerings that include private lessons, group classes, and weekly dance parties, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching dance experience for all our students.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Things society could do to best support artists, creatives, and an thriving creative ecosystem include: facilitating networking events, forums, and platforms where artists can connect with peers, collaborators, and potential patrons, encourage community involvement in the arts through public events, festivals, and open studios, as well as ensuring artists are paid fairly for their work.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, there is. Our goal is to cultivate a vibrant community of dancers and creatives from all walks of life, providing them with a welcoming dance studio they can truly call home. We believe in fostering a culture of mutual respect, trust, and open communication, where everyone is encouraged to grow not only as dancers but also as individuals. Gone are the days of elitism and division between dance styles; instead, we embrace diversity and challenge each other to explore new horizons. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, we’re here to support you on your dance journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cdc.dance
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CreativeDanceCollective
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeDanceCollective
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cdcstudios