On July 25?the USA Pavilion "Dance America!" group will perform at an all-star philanthropic gala performance named "Stars Bring You to Expo", featuring world-class celebrities including NBA Houston Rockets player Yao Ming and well-known Chinese pianist Lang Lang, among others. The event, taking place at the Expo Cultural Center, aims to bring love and care to poor children in China's rural areas.

As the Global Ambassador for Expo 2010 Shanghai, Yao Ming began a foundation earlier this year to bring poor children from China's rural cities, provinces and catastrophe-stricken areas to the Expo. Those children are invited to the gala event as special guests.

"We are proud to work with Yao Ming and Lang Lang on the worthy cause of sharing the Expo with children from rural areas throughout China," said Ambassador José H. Villarreal, U.S. Commissioner General. "The USA Pavilion is also pleased to present "Dance America!" at this special event."

USA Pavilion "Dance America!" group will bring an exciting performance, "ACAPELLA", to the 150-minute gala evening. Choreographed by the dancers themselves, "ACAPELLA" combines each performer's individual style into one piece giving the audience an opportunity to experience the fresh 'edge' of contemporary American dance.

The "Dance America!" cast was selected from hundreds of candidates in Los Angeles, California. The final cast of 10 was chosen from various cities in the USA such as Miami, Los Angeles, Detroit, and many more. This culturally diverse cast includes Julius Rubio, Marissa Vela-Bailey, TJ Cruz, Donte Phillips, Chris Pow, Ambrosio Respicio, Bianca Revels, Genise Ruidiaz, Lauren Taft and Meghan Way.

The everyday "Dance America!" performance on the USA Pavilion Stage tells the story of America decade-by-decade. The vibrant and vivid costumes transition the audience from America's present-day dance back into its dynamic past; showcasing a multitude of dance forms such hip hop, vogueing, disco, Latin, ballroom, jitterbug and tap. Directed, choreographed and produced by Joann Jansen and Teresa Taylor, "Dance America!" is a fun, energetic show that people of all ages can enjoy.

At over 60,000 square feet (6,000 square meters), the USA Pavilion is one of the largest national pavilions at the Expo. With the theme of "Rising to the Challenge", the United States presence showcases American culture, values, innovation and business in one of China's most dynamic cities, while celebrating the friendship and cooperation between the United States, China and the rest of the world.