There’s nothing quite like the joy of being honored for the passion, effort, and artistry you devote to your craft. Creating something meaningful is already an accomplishment - but receiving a heartfelt “Well done!” on a major platform elevates that achievement into something unforgettable.
On November 9th, the College of Alameda Dance Department lit up the stage at the SF Int’l New Concept Film Festival 2025 in San Francisco. In a stunning collaboration with Nan Dance Studio, performers brought to life Afternoon at Thuong's Valley - a captivating piece choreographed by Professor Danny Nguyen and HaoNan Zhu, a former choreography student whose artistic journey began right here at COA. Featuring dancers ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s, the performance beautifully showcased the power of movement across generations.
Then came the moment that made the celebration even sweeter. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, Professor Danny Nguyen received the exciting news: the COA Dance Department had earned Honorable Awards from the SF Int’l New Concept Film Festival 2025! In addition, Professor Danny Nguyen and College of Alameda both received the Honorable Recognition & Participation award. All of these are well-deserved recognitions for a department, instructor, and institution that continues to inspire, uplift, and create magic in our communities.
Professor Danny Nguyen expressed gratitude upon sharing the news with fellow staff, faculty, and administration. “Thank you for the hard work and time that my students have volunteered since the beginning of the semester. They were very happy to see our VP Porter at the performance which motivated them more.” Nguyen also encouraged fellow colleagues to attend two upcoming Chinese New-Year performances at The Chase Center on February 1, 2026, and The Vietnamese Consulate Celebration in The Green Room of SF City Hall on February 8, 2026. The details of the performances will be sent out before Spring 2026 starts.
Bravo, COA Dance Department - here’s to many more standing ovations!
If this performance moved you, imagine what you could create. If you are interested in deepening your technique, exploring choreography, or pursuing dance as a serious field of study, the College of Alameda Dance Program offers comprehensive training and a supportive creative community. Enroll today and take the next step in your artistic and academic journey. Your future awaits!