A unique project in Long Beach, California is blending mental health education with traditional Southeast Asian dance to help youth process trauma, connect with their cultural roots and break the stigma surrounding mental illness.

The Healing Through Dance Project, launched by Cambodia Town, Inc., is using the power of dance and psycho-educational workshops to empower Southeast Asian youth to confront mental health challenges in a culturally resonant way.

The project is a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to address mental health issues faced by Southeast Asian youth, particularly those affected by the trauma of war and migration, as well as the inter-generational impacts of these experiences.

The project provides a safe and supportive platform for young people, ages 14-25, to explore their emotional well-being while reconnecting with their cultural identity through the arts.

With over 18 years of experience working with the Cambodian community, Mariko Kahn, board secretary for Cambodia Town, Inc., explained how the idea for the project emerged.

“Our goal is to give Southeast Asian youth a space to better understand their mental health while celebrating their cultural heritage,” she said.

The project aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental health, educate youth about trauma, and provide a more effective way for them to cope with their experiences.

One key element of the program is its fusion of psycho-educational lectures and dance classes.

The lectures, delivered by mental health professionals, cover a wide range of topics including trauma, bullying, anxiety, depression and substance abuse.

These workshops help youth to better understand how these issues affect their lives and how they can seek help.

The programme, which began on January 11 and runs until March 15, involves 33 participants, the majority of whom are Cambodian, with others from Thai and Filipino backgrounds. Supplied

Connecting culture with wellness

Each dance class is designed to teach Southeast Asian classical and folk dances while exploring how these practices are deeply rooted in cultural identity.

Through learning traditional dances, participants not only strengthen their connection to their heritage but also engage in emotional healing.

“This project allows youth to express themselves in a way that feels familiar and empowering, while also learning tools to manage their mental health,” Kanh told The Post.

For instance, one of the lectures, titled “Why are Cambodians in the US?” provides a history of the Cambodian diaspora, highlighting the trauma caused by the Khmer Rouge genocide and the impact it had on both the first and second generations.

This workshop has proven to be an important discussion for many young Cambodians who have not had the opportunity to discuss this history with their families.

“It’s crucial that we provide a space for the younger generation to learn about their past so they can understand the struggles that their families have gone through,” Kahn explained.

Psychoeducational Workshops and Dance

The project follows a ten-week schedule, with students participating in weekly sessions.

The programme covers a variety of mental health topics, and each lecture is followed by a dance session where participants learn basic steps of traditional dances.

“The culmination of the programme will feature two community performances, showcasing the dances the youth have learned and serving as a platform for furthering the discussion about mental health within the community,” said Kanh.

Some of the key workshops address critical social issues, including anti-bullying training, which focuses on understanding and managing bullying, and a session on domestic violence titled Love Shouldn't Hurt, highlighting its impact.

A workshop on trauma-informed practices explores how trauma affects youth and families.

Mental health topics include Depression – You're Not Lazy! which delves into understanding depression, and Anxiety – What's Behind the Worry? which covers stress management techniques.

Additionally, a session tackles the growing concern of substance abuse and vaping.

In addition to Cambodian dance classes, there are also workshops on Hmong and Filipino dance, reflecting the multicultural approach of the program.

The dance classes are not only a physical activity but a form of emotional expression and a way for youth to feel connected to their cultural roots.

Mental health topics include Depression – You're Not Lazy! which delves into understanding depression, and Anxiety – What's Behind the Worry? which covers stress management techniques. Supplied

Community and performance

The program, which began on January 11 and will run until March 15, involves 33 participants, the majority of whom are Cambodian, with others from Thai and Filipino backgrounds.

It is supported by a grant from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, aimed at providing mental health resources to underserved cultural communities.

The final performances at the Cambodia Town Parade and Culture Festival on April 5 and 6, will allow participants to share their healing journey with the broader community.

Kahn stressed that the performances are not just an artistic showcase, but an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to celebrate the cultural diversity of Southeast Asian communities.