From June 27 to July 2, President Xu Rui led a delegation of four to the United States, where they conducted a series of collaborative exchange visits to renowned dance institutions and organizations, including American Dance Festival, Carolina Performing Arts at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, New York University, and the State University of New York at Purchase. During the visit, several cooperation agreements were signed, further enhancing practical collaboration and injecting fresh momentum into the in-depth integration of Chinese and American dance education and the development of the “World Dance Education Alliance (WDEA).”
Partnering with American Dance Festival to Promote Interaction and Exchange Between Modern Dance and Chinese Dance
During the visit, the delegation met with key figures from American Dance Festival, including President Jodee Nimerichter and Education Program Director Nile H. Russell. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding and reached a consensus on future collaborations, such as performance exchanges, workshops, and a short-term dance festival in Beijing. The delegation also attended a master workshop, engaging directly with teachers and students to gain valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in international dance education.
American Dance Festival, one of the most influential events in the global dance community, was founded in 1934 by iconic figures in modern dance, including Martha Graham. Held annually in Durham, North Carolina, it has evolved into a comprehensive dance institution that integrates education, performances, seminars, and cultural exchanges. It plays a crucial role in advancing modern dance and promoting cultural exchange within the dance community.
Conducting Exchanges with Carolina Performing Arts to Explore New Paths for Cooperation
The delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with Alison M. Friedman, Artistic Director of Carolina Performing Arts, conducting a thorough study of the theater’s operational model and educational practices, and providing valuable international references for the construction of the new campus of Beijing Dance Academy. The two sides also reached preliminary agreements on potential collaborations, including staging Chinese dance masterpieces in the U.S. and inviting Friedman to conduct masterclasses in arts management at the Academy.
The Carolina Performing Arts at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, recognized as one of the “Best University Performing Arts Centers in the U.S.,” stands as a major cultural landmark in the southeastern United States. Anchored by premier venues like Memorial Hall, it presents more than 50 world-class performances annually across disciplines such as dance and classical music, hosting internationally renowned artists and ensembles including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Yo-Yo Ma, and Cloud Gate Dance Theatre. Its innovative artist-in-residence programs, along with integrated education and community initiatives, serve as exemplary models for arts management and practices.
Deepening Partnerships with New York Universities to Broaden Talent Co-Cultivation Opportunities
Beijing Dance Academy has maintained years of exchange and cooperation with both New York University and the State University of New York at Purchase. This visit further strengthened their mutual commitment to deepen exchanges and cooperation and identified the key focus areas for future cooperation.
During their visit to New York University, the delegation closely observed classes of the master’s program in ballet education, a joint program between the University and the American Ballet Theatre, and held constructive discussions on collaborative models, including joint graduate training and student exchange programs.
During the visit to the State University of New York at Purchase, both parties signed a Student Exchange Agreement, jointly discussed solutions to challenges in program implementation, and planned to further strengthen teaching and practical collaboration in contemporary dance, choreography, and Chinese dance.
In addition, the delegation also conducted a thorough review of the dance teaching facilities and academic practices at both institutions, and provided detailed briefings on the development blueprint and upcoming initiatives of the WDEA. They warmly invited the faculty and students from both institutions to attend the “Beijing International Ballet Competition for Dance Schools and Dance Performance” series in Beijing this October. During the visit, Beijing Dance Academy and the State University of New York at Purchase reached an agreement to exchange students for the fall semester, while faculty and students from New York University were invited to join the WDEA dance performance activities in October.
During his visit to the Academy, Secretary Yin Li stressed that the Academy should leverage Beijing’s role as a “center for international exchanges” to run platforms like the WDEA effectively, expedite the building of a world-class dance university with Chinese characteristics, and enable Chinese dance to tell compelling stories about China and Beijing on the international stage. Through this visit to the U.S., the Academy not only strengthened its cooperation with member institutions of the WDEA but also actively invited top American institutions to join the alliance, expanding its network of partners. This contributed positively to the establishment of an international cooperation framework in dance education and enhanced the global influence of Chinese dance education.
Looking ahead, the Academy will focus on translating the achievements of this U.S. visit into tangible actions. By leveraging a range of international initiatives, it will prioritize the establishment of international digital dance platforms, international dance competition performance stages, as well as the development of dance journals. The Academy will also continue to strengthen the institutional framework of the WDEA, ensuring the successful implementation of collaborative projects with measurable outcomes. These efforts will further enhance the exchange and mutual learning between Chinese and American dance education and culture, contributing to the thriving development of global dance education.
Source: Official Website of Beijing Dance Academy, News Issue No. 1837, 2025 Issue No. 109
