Alumni Appreciation Month Spotlight: Radhanath Dasa Thialan ’20 builds a career in dance and education

UC Irvine Department of Dance alumnus now serves as associate artistic director at Yaya Dance Academy

From Kuala Lumpur to California, Radhanath Dasa Thialan (B.F.A. ’18, M.F.A. ’20) has transformed a lifelong passion for dance into a thriving career. Thialan now serves as associate artistic director at Yaya Dance Academy and Program Coordinator for the T.O.P. Awards, where he blends artistry, mentorship and cultural storytelling.

“My time at UC Irvine’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts was transformative,” said Thialan. “It provided the opportunities and connections that shaped me not only as an artist but as a human being. I’m especially grateful for the experiences I had in Shanghai, China, and Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Israel, which broadened my perspective on dance and life.”

Those global experiences gave Thialan the chance to immerse himself in diverse artistic traditions and discover new dimensions of movement. They also laid the groundwork for his collaborations with fellow UCI Arts alumna Yaya Zhang, whom he met during his graduate studies. Together, the two have choreographed works for major venues, including the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Pacific Symphony, and continue to expand their creative partnership.

Image: (left to right) Radhanath Dasa Thialan and Yaya Zhang at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

As an educator, Thialan places identity at the heart of his teaching. Drawing from his background as an artist of Asian descent, he empowers young Asian American dancers to explore their heritage and express themselves through movement. His teaching philosophy emphasizes individuality, reminding students that no two artists’ paths should look the same.

“I believe in daring to be different — because art is ultimately about exploring your own identity,” said Thialan. “And just like no two fingerprints are the same, no two artistic journeys should be either.”

For Thialan, dance is more than performance. It is a way of connecting cultures, shaping communities and encouraging the next generation to find confidence in their own voices.

To learn more about the Department of Dance, visit dance.arts.uci.edu. To learn more about the Yaya Dance Academy, visit yayadanceacademy.com.