Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexander Tran.
Hi Alexander , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started lion dancing at the age of 4, inspired by watching performances out in public—just like any kid filled with curiosity and excitement. What began as fascination quickly turned into passion.
At 7 years old, I joined my first lion dance team through a Buddhist scout group. That was where I built my foundation—not just in the movements, but in discipline, culture, and respect for the art.
By the age of 13, I felt a strong desire to grow beyond what I already knew. I wanted to deepen my understanding and push my skills further, so I made the difficult decision to step away and freelance—learning from different teams, styles, and experiences.
At 15, I took a leap and founded Soaring Phoenix.
What started as a small vision has since grown into something much bigger. Over the years, we’ve expanded not only in membership, but also in our reach—serving a wide range of clients, performing across communities, and representing our culture on larger stages.
But what truly sets us apart is our purpose.
We are the only team in the world that donates 100% of our funds back into our operations and into charitable efforts. We didn’t start this for money—we grew up doing this purely for the love of the art. And when we began generating revenue, we made a conscious decision: to use it as a tool to give back, support our team, and uplift others.
Today, Soaring Phoenix is more than just a team—it’s a platform for growth, cultural preservation, and impact. We are committed not only to excellence in performance, but to staying rooted in our values, giving back to our communities, and carrying forward the traditions that shaped us.
And this is only the beginning of how far we plan to go.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all.
When this team first started, I didn’t have funding or resources—I borrowed money from my parents just to purchase our first lion set and a drum. That was the beginning.
For years, we trained in the backyard. When it rained, we moved inside the house, knowing it would cause wear and tear—but we did it anyway because we were committed. We used our personal trucks to haul equipment to performances, doing whatever it took to show up.
As we grew, we moved into an RV storage unit. It was hot, uncomfortable, and far from ideal. We trained in the heat, and when we needed a restroom, we had to drive next door to a CVS. But even then, we kept going.
In 2021, we finally moved into our first real warehouse—1,500 square feet. It was a huge milestone. But within just two years, we outgrew it.
Today, we’re in a 4,250 square foot warehouse, fully equipped with air conditioning and restrooms. We now have a dedicated team van to transport our members and a box truck to carry our equipment.
This journey wasn’t built on convenience—it was built on sacrifice, persistence, and belief. Every step forward came from finding a way, even when there wasn’t one.
And we’re still building.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Outside of lion dance, I work as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, where I provide anesthesia care to patients in the operating room. It’s a high-responsibility role that requires precision, focus, and the ability to perform under pressure.
What I’m most known for, though, is balance.
I manage early mornings, late shifts, and on-call hours—while still showing up for my team. Whether it’s leading practices, organizing performances, or handling the responsibilities that come with running Soaring Phoenix, I make the time.
Because to me, this isn’t just a hobby—it’s a commitment.
The same discipline, accountability, and composure I bring into the operating room are the same qualities I bring into leading this team.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The vision is clear. We want to build something permanent—our own land, with a larger, fully equipped training facility that can support the next generation of lion dancers.
We’re focused on continued growth—not just in numbers, but in quality. That means refining our skills, elevating our technicality, and setting a higher standard for performance and discipline.
We also plan to expand our presence year-round. Increasing performances during the off-season—weddings, grand openings, cultural events—while continuing to grow even stronger during Lunar New Year.
On a bigger stage, we aim to compete more—both nationally and internationally—representing not just our team, but our city and our culture at the highest level.
But beyond growth and recognition, our purpose stays rooted in community.
We want to continue spreading the art of lion dance locally, helping our members stay connected to their Vietnamese roots, and using our platform to give back. That means committing to charity work every year—and over time, being able to contribute more, support bigger causes, and make a deeper impact.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about building a team—it’s about building something that lasts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spliondance.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.p.liondance?igsh=MTRpeDJ0NTltaHZvbQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/spliondance
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/spliondance
