On the morning of November 30, the grand opening ceremony of BDA Dance Forum (2019) in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was held at BDA’s dance theater, with nearly 200 experts and 600 dance scholars from various dance academies, institutions, associations and independent art groups gathering at Beijing Dance Academy — the "cradle of dancers". The opening ceremony was presided over by Professor Gao Du, Director of BDA’s Academic Committee.

At the opening ceremony, Ba Tu, Secretary of the Party Committee at BDA, delivered a speech summarizing the theme and significance of this forum with three key words, namely "first", "70 years" and "summit". Mr. Batu hopes that by focusing on the 70-year history of dance in New China, we will be able to understand its historical, academic and theoretical context, with new observations of latest changes and trends, so as to identify and lead the future of dance. He called upon dance professionals to strive to become the pioneers, forerunners and advocates of the spirit of a new era in response to President Xi Jinping's call, and to cultivate an artistic atmosphere of integrity, style and warmth. He looked forward to the role of the forum in encouraging original and high-quality products, resisting academic junk, and helping China’s dance art develop from strength to strength.

In his speech, Feng Shuangbai, Chairman of the Chinese Dancers Association, connected the dots of China’s dance over the past 7 decades with the names of classic works from different historical periods, and expressed his expectation for a future of dance that embodies a great spirit of art and the beauty and power of life of the Chinese people. He believes that in future, China will definitely create dance masterpieces to stun the whole world.

Topic: "Dance for a Better Future for Human Society"

In the keynote speech session of the forum, BDA President Guo Lei said that Beijing Dance Academy, as the highest institution of dance education in China, should assume an even more active role in promoting dance development, by building on its own unique strengths and values, and exploring the theoretical value and practical approach regarding the proposition of "Dance for a Better Future for Human Society". He highlighted the high sense of responsibility and mission that Beijing Dance Academy has always held dear, as well as the Academy’s focus on having reasonable disciplinary structure, a strong foundation, and innovation and uniqueness in its top design. BDA has continuously deepened the reform of education and teaching, promoting the image of the Academy in the spirit of reform and innovation.

Topic: "Evaluating China’s Contemporary Dance History from the Perspective of Dance Works and Talents"

Professor Lyu Yisheng, honorary member of the Academic Committee of BDA, said in his speech that dance has already become an indispensable part of contemporary Chinese art in its 70-year development. Professor Lyu Yisheng commented on the development of China’s contemporary dance from the perspectives of dance works and talents, and said that Chinese dancers have jointly created China’s dance in the past 70 years with important contributions to China’s "contemporary dance style", which he believes to be "unprecedented" and "unparalleled in the world". He also expressed his expectation for the younger generation of dancers, encouraging them to maintain close bond with the people and draw inspiration from in-depth experience of life. He also encouraged them to learn from global peers, continue to develop their artistic skills, and develop a strong curiosity for study and research.

Topic: "Dance Exchange with Foreign Countries: the Events I Have Experienced"

In her speech, Ms. Zhao Ruheng, Honorary Chairwoman of the Chinese Dancers Association, described how ballet developed in China and appeared on the world stage with her personal experience. She reviewed the exchange and cooperation between the National Ballet of China and world-famous dance companies and choreographers, from the 1950s to the period of reform and opening up, and to the 21st century. She believed that the way foreign choreographers select qualified performers as well as their approach to choreography have broadened the horizon of Chinese ballet practitioners. She called for art creation with full passion and sincerity. It is important to consider market strategies in dance, with special importance given to the role of brokers and to choosing qualified brokers. It is also essential to use the China National Arts Fund wisely, and attach importance to the popularization of dance so as to provide wider employment opportunities for dance professionals.

Topic: "Firmly Strengthen Cultural Confidence and Strive to Meet People's New Expectations for a Better Life"

In his speech, Chen Ping, Chairman of the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles, focused on the construction of theaters across the country in recent years, and believed that China has ushered in a "moment of theater". The inauguration of many theaters has provided huge space for the development of stage art and great opportunities for artists. However, the development of theaters is also faced with great challenges, including unbalanced regional development, insufficient integration of theaters and troupes, and low levels of audience participation. He stressed the importance to encourage more people to appreciate performances in theaters, promote the development of theaters as a part of city life, enhance the in-depth cooperation between theaters and art institutions, and always present the finest works of art to the people.

Topic: "Status Quo of Emerging Independent Dance Organizations and Dancers"

Ms. Wang Xiaolan, well-known overseas Chinese modern dance expert, combed through the history of China’s independent dance organizations and professionals. Taking the outstanding dancers in the "Second International Ballet and Choreography Competition" and the "Young Dance Talents Cultivation Plan" as an example, she believed that the emerging dance organizations and outstanding dancers represent a new power promoting the development of modern and contemporary dance in China, with inexhaustible artistic productivity. She stressed that there is no essential difference between independent dance organizations and professionals and their public counterparts. Essentially, they should develop close connections and complement each other as they contribute jointly to the development of China’s dance. She also pointed out that the development of modern and contemporary dance needs to pay attention to creative spirit and human existence.

Topic: "Chinese Dance Art and Future Development"

Mr. Shen Wei, well-known international visual artist and choreographer, drawing on his own artistic experience and creation, analyzed current and future dance trends with a macro international perspective and a display of his own works. Mr. Shen Wei discussed how to find and establish one’s own value and position in the world’s dance landscape, from the perspective of dancers and unique choreographic approaches. He stressed the importance of the cognition and practice of choreographers and the cultural literacy of dancers, as well as the relationship between dance creation and traditional arts and dance types in creating unique values. At the same time, he believed that it is important to establish China’s own language of dance moves, technical training courses and theoretical system in order to lead the development of international dance. It is also essential to develop extensive cooperation with other art sectors for more diversity in future art expressions, towards enabling dance to make even more contributions to humankind.

Topic: "Dance Creation with Faith for a Better Tomorrow of Dance"

Yang Xiaoyang, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Dancers Association and head of the People's Liberation Army's art troupe, said in his speech that artists need to always have "faith". The power of faith originates from the strength of culture and civilization. He shared the collection of "Torch of Peace" at the opening ceremony of the 7th CISM Military World Games in which he participated, and believed that only when personal faith becomes part of the faith of Chinese civilization, can we strengthen cultural confidence, carry forward traditional culture, and innovate effectively. Having faith in Chinese civilization and the character of artists is the hope of China’s dance.

The opening ceremony and keynote speech session were presided over by Professor Gao Du, Director of the Academic Committee.

Held at the critical historical juncture of the 70th anniversary of the founding of New China and the 65th anniversary of the founding of Beijing Dance Academy, the forum aims to systematically review and summarize the achievements and experiences of China’s dance in various aspects over the past seven decades, with discussions on both the today and tomorrow of China’s dance, as well as its future development strategies. During the two-day forum, the participants will talk about the past, present and future of Chinese dance. The event has eight sub-forums, including themes on disciplinary development, secondary vocational education, art creation, people's livelihood, and market. Moreover, the event will stage two performances, namely "Performance of Artistic Practice Achievements of Beijing Dance Academy" and "Performance of Affiliated High School of Beijing Dance Academy", which will demonstrate the quality of education and artistic creation of Beijing Dance Academy.

(Journal of Beijing Dance Academy, Research Department / Zhang Yanjie, Zhang Suqin  Picture / Mu Ke)
(Editor / Du Peng)