Tianjin Cathay Future Children’s Art Troupe in Watts

The acrobatic troupe performs in Watts on its first day of a four-day trip to Southern California.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Jiu Zhang and Mei Yi Wang, both 9, dance in color-coordinated outfits. Their group’s trip includes staying with host families, participating in a science class project and giving several performances.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Students at the Watts Learning Center cheer for the Tianjin Cathay Future Children’s Art Troupe. The trip was made possible in part by Star Education, an afterschool program that offers a Chinese language class at the Watts Learning Center.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Camiah McElroy, 8, a third-grader at the Watts Learning Center, links arms with troupe members Mei Yi Wang, 9, left, and Xiau Di Wang, 11, after the performance.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)