As an Asian-American journalist, getting opportunities to capture pride and joy in my own community is something that I hold dear. This photo of the Lanting Qipao Club was taken at the inaugural Coralville Asian Festival on May 13, 2023, as they performed a special dance that they had put together specifically for this festival that combined Qipao dance and Peking Opera. Despite the having the festival interrupted by a thunderstorm early on and the skies still being gloomy, the vibrance of the dancers' outfits and makeup still lit up the event. 

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Caption: "Members of the Lanting Qipao Club perform in a dance that combined aspects of Peking Opera and Qipao dance."

f/5.6, 1/320s, ISO 100

Published May 15, 2023 on wsspaper.com.