Cindera Che is a talented Asian American actress and dancer who has been active in the entertainment industry for over thirty years. She is perhaps best known for her iconic role as the Madame in Michael Jackson's music video "Smooth Criminal" in 1988.
Born in Taiwan, Cindera began her career as a dancer at the age of twelve, appearing on a weekly television variety show in her hometown. In 1977, her family moved to the United States after her father purchased a House of Pies restaurant in Orange County.
Cindera's first professional job in the U.S. was on ABC's "Fantasy Island" in 1977. She has since appeared in a wide range of films and television shows, including "Out to Sea" (1997),"Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo" (1984),"La La Land" (2016),and "Penny Dreadful: City of Angels" (2020).
In addition to her work in front of the camera, Cindera is also a highly respected dance teacher and performance coach. She has been teaching for over 35 years and has worked with students of all ages and skill levels. She was a member of the staff at The Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles and has taught in conventions and workshops across the United States and abroad.
Cindera created the Movement For Actors training program at The Edge Performing Arts Center, which focuses on helping actors develop their physicality and expressiveness. She has also worked as a coach on the popular TV show "Dancing with the Stars," helping contestants like Kristi Yamaguchi win the competition.
One of Cindera's most notable projects was creating a finale for a cast of 750 inmates from the famed dancing inmates of Cebu, the Philippines for the film "Dance of the Steel Bars" (2013). This project was particularly meaningful to her as it allowed her to explore the idea that dance can transcend all human barriers.
Throughout her career, Cindera has worked with a wide range of choreographers and directors, including Alan Yang, the creator of "Master of None." She has also appeared in a number of recent TV shows, including "Fresh Off the Boat" (2015),"Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist" (2020),and "Lethal Weapon" (2016).
In her free time, Cindera enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures. She is also a passionate advocate for the arts and believes that dance has the power to bring people together and transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.
