Ten years ago, junior Brianna Fu started learning traditional Chinese folk dance. After a couple of years, Fu took a break from dancing but started back up later in elementary school. Her return to dance was through a week long summer dance camp.

“My mom forced me to go, but now I like it because I get to learn cool dances that I can relate to culturally,” Fu said.

Fu dances at the Angel Dance Company. The class experiments with ballet, jazz and contemporary, and most of the dances are Chinese and involve the use of little props and Chinese costumes.

“I’ve worn a straw hat before and jewelry. I’ve carried fake grapes and fake instruments,” Fu said.

Fu goes to dance class every Saturday afternoon at the Waltham Athletic Club. While Fu doesn’t think these classes are time consuming, she says that they can be tiring.

“Sometimes when we stretch a lot I’m sore for a couple days,” Fu said.

Fu’s favorite part of Chinese dance is being able to bond with her friends.

“The people in my class have become another family in my life, like any other group or team,” Fu said.

Last Decemeber, Fu and the company performed in the halftime show of an NBA game between the Boston Celtics and the LA Lakers.

“It was an amazing opportunity that I never thought I’d have the chance to experience,” Fu said.