ZiRu Dance weaves a tapestry of strength across communities, channeling the universal power of movement to uplift spirits and nurture resilience. Our mission flows through programs that offer gentle yet profound means of healing, extending to Asian Americans and all who seek solace and renewal in movement. We cultivate vibrant, enduring places where individuals—among those of Asian American descent—find connection, growth, and serenity through the art of dance. With every step, we aim to fortify the communities we touch, letting dance serve as a catalyst for positive change and lasting community benefit.
2025-2026 Season
VANTAGE
Pathways to Recovery
Join Us
We are excited to announce a new program Move and Release which will be the second phase of the 2022 program Pathways to Recovery in partnership with One Life Counseling. Move and Release will bring mental health support to K-12 schools, community centers, and senior centers. Move and Release classes have already begun at Yoga Health Works in San Carlos.
For more information on Pathways to Recovery Click Here
For more information on Move and Release Click Here
Move & Release
ZiRu Dance Artists
Meet
ZiRu Dance Artistic Directors
Oakland Native, award-winning Chinese-Taiwanese American poet/choreographer, Philein Wang leads ZiRu Dance. Philein’s exploration of her own heritage led her to create a new dance form for the Asian American body and identity. She was a soloist with several companies, including Janice Garrett and Cloud Gate Dance Theatre. She also received choreography mentorships from the late Bella Lewitzky, Margaret Jenkins, and Lin Hwai-Min, Artistic Director of Taiwan’s Cloud Gate Dance. She was recognized as an honoree at the first-ever AAPI Heroes of San Mateo County reception in 2016.
Filipino/Afro-Caribbean renowned performing artist and director of Lines Ballet Training Program, Karah Abiog, ZiRu’s Associate Artistic Director, takes pride in creating an environment of discovery, creativity, and transformation for artists, educators and collaborators from around the globe. For over twenty years, she enjoyed dancing and touring with various companies including Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater and worked with many choreographers ranging from modern pioneer Katherine Dunham to today’s Camille A. Brown.