A Memorable Three-Day Dance Study Trip in Beijing, China

From December 26th to 28th, 2024, Claire Shu and Iris Chen from Mulan Dance Studio participated in a three-day Chinese dance study trip to Beijing, organized by the Australian Dancers Association.

On the first day, they visited the Beijing Opera Academy, where they observed Beijing opera rehearsals on campus, explored the Beijing Opera History and Culture Museum, and participated in lessons on long sleeve dance and traditional opera singing techniques. This immersive experience allowed the students to deeply appreciate the rich heritage of traditional Chinese opera culture.

( Picture above : Iris Chen and Claire Shu taking a group photo with their fellows.)

On the second day, the group toured the prestigious Beijing Dance Academy and attended a rehearsal of the graduating class’s performance. The dancers' elegant movements, exceptional technical skills, and emotionally captivating storytelling left a lasting impression on the young participants.

(Picture above: Iris Chen and Claire Shu taking a group photo with their fellows.)

(Pictured above: Iris Chen and Claire Shu posing in front of the Beijing Dance Academy)

(Pictured above: Indoor rehearsal - Students from folk Dance Department of the Beijing Dance Academy)

(Picture above: Beijing Dance Academy History Museum.)

On the third day, the students laced up their dancing shoes and entered the classrooms of the Beijing Dance Academy.

In the morning, Associate Professor Liqiu Qin from the Department of Chinese Ethnic and Folk Dance at Beijing Dance Academy taught the students a unit lesson on Dai dance.

(Pictures above: moments from the classical dance class)

(Picture above: Iris Chen and Claire Shu, along with fellow dancers, taking photos with Professor Qin)

After a simple lunch, the students eagerly attended a performance by Associate Professor Tang Xinghua from the Department of Classical Dance. She introduced them to her renowned work, Drunken Spring Breeze. 醉春风 The students learned the graceful art of using a folding fan—how to throw and catch it—while the fan’s elegant movements were beautifully integrated into the dance. Through the dancer’s expressive eyes, the piece conveyed a deep sense of longing for the beauty of spring.

(Pictures above: moments from the classical dance class)

(Picture above: Iris Chen and Claire Shu, along with fellow dancers, taking photos with Professor Tang)

The three-day trip to Beijing, filled with unforgettable memories and valuable experiences, came to an end with a final group photo from the classical dance class. Though brief, it was a joyful and enriching experience. The students not only had the opportunity to step into the classrooms of the Beijing Dance Academy, the cradle of top dancers, and participate in master classes, but they also immersed themselves in traditional Chinese opera and dance culture by attending rehearsals and exploring historical museums.

We look forward to the next exciting study event!