This year’s most anticipated national music and dance event for students is officially underway! Organized by the Taichung City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau, the 7th annual “Zhongshan Hall Youth Talent LIVE Show” continues to serve as a key stage for young performers to showcase their talents and challenge themselves. Under the theme “Dreaming Youth: In Tune with Music and Dance,” preliminary submissions are now open. Applications will be accepted through October 22, after which 20 teams will be selected to advance to the final competition on November 29. Finalists will light up the stage with the vibrant energy of youth through music and dance, while competing for generous prizes and awards. Talented students from senior high schools, vocational schools, and universities across Taiwan are encouraged to sign up, pursue their dreams boldly, and celebrate the spirit of youth!

The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that Taichung Zhongshan Hall serves as a major performing arts hub in central Taiwan, while its outdoor plaza has long been a popular gathering spot for students practicing street dance. Since the competition’s launch in 2019, participation has grown steadily every year. The “Zhongshan Hall Youth Talent LIVE Show” has now become a landmark event among high school and university students—a dream stage for the younger generation to showcase their creativity. Each year, it attracts numerous student clubs, self-formed groups, and individual performers. Over the past six years, more than 900 teams have competed, delivering outstanding performances and establishing the event as one of Taiwan’s most dynamic annual showcases for emerging music and dance talents.

According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the competition is divided into two main categories: Music and Dance. All teams selected for the finals will receive a NT$10,000 performance grant and have the chance to compete for the Top Prize of NT$30,000, allowing the champion team to earn up to NT$40,000 in total. With more than NT$300,000 in total prize money, the event offers one of the most exciting and competitive stages designed for young artists. Both the Music and Dance categories include a Top Prize and a Jury Award, along with additional honors such as the Popularity Award, Best Costume Award, and Best Creativity Award. These prizes encourage participants to express their individuality and imagination from diverse perspectives, offering not only greater recognition for student performers but also enhancing the event’s vibrancy and appeal.

This year’s event once again receives strong backing from the private sector, with sponsorship and co-organization from the ASE Cultural and Educational Foundation and Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. This partnership underscores the industry’s commitment to supporting young people’s artistic and cultural development. Through such public–private collaboration, the city government aims to build a sustainable cultural ecosystem that provides young talents with more opportunities and resources to shine.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau warmly invites students from senior high schools, vocational schools, and universities across Taiwan to seize this opportunity to step onto the stage, showcase their talents, and create lasting memories through music and dance. Registration is easy—simply complete the online form and upload a performance video of up to three minutes. For detailed event information, please visit the Dadun Cultural Center’s official website (https://www. dadun.culture.taichung.gov.tw/), the Facebook fan page (https://www.facebook.com/dadunculture/), or go directly to the registration link: https://reurl.cc/K9Epy9 .