One very important element of Tibetan culture is its ancient, rich and symbolic performing arts, which include classical opera, contemporary music, dance and folk music. Tibetan dance and music has been passed down through generations for almost 2,000 years. The Northwest Tibetan Cultural Association (NWTCA) is committed to passing on these traditions to younger generations to keep their culture alive.

The NWTCA Dance Troupe includes both young children and adults who practice traditional Tibetan folk dances and songs weekly. They perform a number of dances which include the Gya Shey (Dance of Joy) an ancient Tibetan circle dance that has been passed down from generation to generation by people of Western Tibet. They also perform the Tse Potala (Potala Palace). The Tibetan capital building is world renown for its architectural wonder. For Tibetans, the Potala Palace symbolizes the free spirit of Tibet under His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tse Potala is a new dance that originated from the Amdo province of northeastern Tibet after the 14th Dalai Lama was born in that region.