A year after tragedy, the healing continues at an Alhambra ballroom dance studio – one small step at a time.
Around 70 to 80 people came together for a Community Remembrance Fair at Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio Saturday, Jan. 13, to mark the anniversary of a mass shooting in neighboring Monterey Park that stunned this area to its core.
For the last year, the depth of the tragedy – which left 11 dead at Star Ballroom Dance Studio amid the city’s Lunar New Year celebration – has prompted many to return to dance as a form of healing and a source of strength. But for some, given what unfolded both in Monterey Park and Alhambra, the return to a dance floor has been gradual, if at all.
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It was at Lai Lai, where Brandon Tsay — whose family operates the dance studio — disarmed the Monterey Park shooter, thwarting what authorities said would have surely been another tragedy only minutes after the first.
Tsay, now known as a hero, said he wanted to organize the free event in the hopes that those who are still reluctant to seek emotional support can be connected with the necessary resources they need to recover.
“We’re here today to both celebrate the healing process our community has done in resilience and unity, as well as remember those who have passed away due to the incident,” said Tsay, who attended Saturday’s event, as he has several community events in the months after the shooting.
He noted that many Asian-American organizations set up booths inside the ballroom to offer attendees resources in areas such as legal, mental health, case management and community education.
“Inside, we have several vendors and services, as well as those who are professionals in wellness and health going out in the community and connecting with one another to really promote healing for those who are still reluctant or need more help in these services,” Tsay said.
Among the organizations present were: Asian Pacific…
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