Sinostage

Founded in 2014 by American Eli Sweet and his wife, Koko Sweet, Sinostage operates as a premier urban dance studio headquartered in Chengdu, China. The company has positioned itself as a key player in China's expanding urban dance scene, which blends hip hop, jazz funk, and contemporary styles. The business model revolves around providing a range of services including in-studio dance classes, producing story-based dance video content, and selling branded merchandise.

Sinostage caters to a broad clientele, from beginners to professional performers, with a core philosophy that dance should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, not just professionals. Revenue is generated through these diverse streams, with the company successfully securing multiple rounds of venture capital, including a Series B in September 2019, to fuel its growth. A significant aspect of its strategy involves creating a bridge between the Chinese and international dance communities. This is achieved by regularly hosting top international dancers and choreographers to teach and collaborate with the local community, fostering a cross-pollination of styles and talent.

A cornerstone of the company's brand and community engagement is the annual Arena® dance competition, the largest group choreography competition in China, which it organizes. This event, along with an annual dance camp in Los Angeles, provides a platform for Chinese dancers to gain international exposure. Sinostage has also formed strategic partnerships, notably with the acclaimed U.S. dance crew Kinjaz and Japan's En Dance Studio, to create collaborative events, content, and products. Through its multiple studio locations, a strong online presence with a significant social media following, and its commitment to cultural exchange, the company serves as a central hub for the urban dance ecosystem in the region.

Keywords: urban dance, dance studio, Chengdu, hip hop dance, jazz funk, contemporary dance, dance classes, dance competition, Arena dance competition, Kinjaz, Eli Sweet, China dance scene, dance video production, dance merchandise, dance education, choreography, international dance workshops, cultural exchange, performing arts, dance community