Traditional East Asian Dance

At Triple 8, we find joy and connection in celebrating our shared heritage through the practice of traditional East Asian dance. We choreograph and perform with fans, water sleeves, umbrellas, ribbons, and more as we dedicate ourselves to learning and preserving the time-honored techniques that have been passed down through generations. Through detailed gestures, poses, precise steps, and circular movement, we bring the cultural narratives of our heritage to life on stage.

Our knowledge and foundations of these styles often come from our Triple 8 members, who were trained in their respective styles prior to Princeton. While we often showcase Chinese traditional dance, we strive to learn and integrate many traditional styles, particularly those often marginalized and overlooked. We welcome prospective members who have training, and/or interest in new and current styles.

We at Triple 8 are not just performers when we dance these traditional forms—we are cultural ambassadors. Our commitment is to honor these traditions with integrity and passion, and to educate and inspire our audiences with the stories and culture that these dances convey. We are proud to be part of the ongoing legacy of these beautiful art forms, and we approach our practice with gratitude, reverence, and a spirit of continuous learning.

Martial Arts

Martial Arts (MA), such as Wushu, Tae Kwon Do, and Jiu Jitsu, are vibrant embodiments of East Asian culture and tradition. These art forms are not merely physical disciplines; they are living legacies of wisdom, philosophy, and heritage, deeply intertwined with the histories of the peoples and regions they originate from. For Triple 8, the practice of Martial Arts is an honor and a privilege.

Our experienced members share Martial Arts-inspired movements with our entire Triple 8 family through beginner-friendly, inclusive choreographies. This commitment to sharing extends beyond our group; it is our pleasure and privilege to showcase, perform, and teach intricately crafted MA choreographies to wider audiences. These performances often narrate rich stories—sometimes of intense conflict, sometimes reflecting the calm of silence.

Far from mere spectacle, these styles—though undoubtedly exhilarating to watch, learn, and perform—serve as a vibrant channel through which members and the broader Princeton community can engage with significant philosophies within East Asian culture. Themes of Qi, balance, and breath are not simply abstract concepts; they are experienced and embodied in the practice of these martial forms. These practices empower our members with practical skills in self-defense and discipline, promoting both physical and mental well-being.

At Triple 8, we approach our Martial Arts practice with deep respect and conscientiousness. We are mindful that we are engaging with traditions sacred to many, and are committed to honoring these practices through continuous learning and cultural humility. In sharing these beautiful art forms, we strive to do so in a way that educates, respects, and pays homage to their rich, multifaceted origins.

Hip-Hop/Open Style

As practitioners and guests in the world of Hip Hop social dance styles, we hold a deep respect and recognition for the rich history and cultural roots of this art form. Originating in the underserved Black communities of the Bronx in the late 1960s, Hip Hop emerged as a form of expression, resistance, and resilience through dance styles such as Breaking (or B-boying/B-girling). Today, Hip Hop dance has blossomed into a global phenomenon, featuring styles such as Popping, Locking, and Waacking.

We are acutely aware of Hip Hop's integral connection to African American culture and its roots in Black and Latine communities, as well as its significant ties to Queer communities who have been pivotal in the development of its numerous sub-styles. These communities created hip-hop as acts of self-expression, resistance to oppression, and assertions of identity in a world that often marginalized them.

For many Asian American families, especially within highly marginalized East Asian diasporas, Hip Hop dance has been a powerful means of cultural connection and self-expression. We understand and acknowledge that while our dance features many moves from Hip Hop vocabulary, it is not a perfect representation of pure Hip Hop. Such is why we label it as Hip-Hop/Open Style.

We, as members of Triple 8, recognize the immense privilege we hold in being able to practice and engage with Hip-Hop/Open Style dance. We are continually grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and express ourselves through these styles, and we are committed to doing so with the utmost respect for the original creators and communities from which Hip-Hop was born. In this spirit, we stand as allies, continually seeking to learn, honor, and uplift the voices and stories foundational to Hip-Hop, and are dedicated to fostering an environment of appreciation, respect, and inclusivity within our dance community.

Contemporary

At Triple 8, we explore choreography, convey ideas, and innovate through contemporary dance—a fluid, versatile, modern art form that blurs and extends the boundaries of classical dance genres. This style, derived from elements of ballet, jazz, modern, lyrical dance, and dance from non-Western cultures, is a place where we showcase both timeless techniques and new approaches to movement.

Our choreography is varied and exploratory with floor work, fluidity, and improvisational movement. Through contemporary choreography, we create dialogues with the world around us, communicate ideas, and push the envelope of convention.

We are aware that contemporary dance, like many art forms, has been shaped by a diverse range of influences, including significant contributions from pioneering artists of various cultural backgrounds. We honor and respect the work of these artists, whose daring creativity laid the foundation for the freedom we now enjoy in this form.

In our practice of contemporary dance, we are committed to fostering an environment of exploration and vulnerability, where every member feels empowered to share their own voice through movement. We see this style of dance as a dialogue—a way to communicate, to challenge, and to celebrate.