Chinatown 2-Step

The Los Angeles Chinese Drum and Bugle Corps is an important fixture of the Chinese American community — not only serving as its representative in parades and events, but also as an activity bringing the young Chinese American middle class together. Chinatown 2-Step spotlights the importance of these and other community institutions. One interview subject shocks the viewer as he recounts being turned away from a swimming pool because “Chinese were not allowed”. And for others, exposure and interaction with other Chinese American Angeleno kids was limited. Opportunities for Chinese American kids to socialize with their peers was important for identity formation, but difficult to realize. Thus, formation of the Los Angeles Chinese Drum Corps served to address this situation, providing an essential environment for kids to socialize and form their identities over a common interest. Not only was the Chinese Drum and Bugle Corps an important fixture of the Chinese American community, but also as an activity bringing the young Chinese American middle class together. Capturing the all-American fervor of parade competition, Chinatown 2-Step takes the viewer through the group’s performances and interviews with the Corps’ members and their parents.