On the afternoon of July 11, the theatrical presentation of Great Harmony of Rites and Music: Ritual Dance Along the Central Axis, a landscape dance performance of the National Conditions Education Program for International Students, was staged at the Black Box Theater of Beijing Dance Academy. The event was hosted by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission and organized by Beijing Dance Academy. Attendees included Liu Lan, Secretary of the CPC Beijing Dance Academy Committee (Party Committee), Xu Rui, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President, Hui Tong, Vice President and a member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee, Zhang Jiping, a member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and head of the Publicity Department, Ruan Wei, Director of the Party Committee Office, Ji Xiaozhe, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Department of the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, along with Ms. GUNER, Secretary-General of the Turkey-China Friendship Association, and 31 Turkish students from the “China View” university delegation. This performance, centered on the historical and cultural significance of Beijing’s Central Axis, and featuring the distinctive Chinese traditional dance concept of “Dance as a Medium for a World of Universal Harmony,” provided international students in Beijing with an immersive experience of Chinese dance culture and spirit, helping to cultivate international cultural ambassadors who understand, appreciate, and promote friendship with China.
As a key component of the “Study in Beijing” series, this project has been steadily advancing since March 2025. It began with two dance culture experience camps held at the China Conservatory of Music and Peking University, attracting over 80 international students from 21 universities in Beijing and 29 countries, who immersed themselves in the charm of traditional Chinese music and dance. After two intensive rehearsals at Beijing Dance Academy, 40 students from 14 universities in 18 countries came together to present the final performance. In late September, the project will move to the Imperial Ancestral Temple along the Central Axis, where a landscape dance performance will take place, further showcasing the cultural richness of the Central Axis and the art of music and dance on a broader stage.
In the performance, international students from various countries brought the historical and cultural significance of the Central Axis to life through their graceful movements. They incorporated traditional Chinese dance elements, such as large sleeves, tube sleeves, and the Pan drum, seamlessly blending dance with culture. The synchronized movements of the sleeves resonated with the concept of “Dance as a Medium for a World of Universal Harmony,” fusing traditional wisdom with modern spirit, Eastern aesthetics with a global vision. The diverse dance styles, set against the backdrop of the cultural axis, were varied in form yet unified in essence, embodying the ideal of global harmony. The performance garnered enthusiastic applause from the audience.
After the performance, Xu Rui, President of Beijing Dance Academy, offered high praise for the participating international students. He said, “Today’s performance was truly impressive. I didn’t expect international students from various universities in Beijing to demonstrate such a professional level. I hope this performance will bring everyone together, fostering both emotional connection and friendship through cultural exchange. I also hope everyone enjoys the stage and the dance. Dance has the power to unite us all.”
The project’s chief director, Kang Ruihan (Thailand), an international student at Beijing Dance Academy, introduced the student creative team to the audience. As a Thai student, Kang Ruihan couldn’t contain her excitement. She noted, “It is truly an honor to have this precious opportunity to collaborate with international student peers from all over the world, exchanging ideas and sharing the profound essence of Chinese culture. Through music and dance, we were able to convey the warmth of Chinese civilization, and ultimately, we completed this meaningful performance together.” Actor representative Fan Xiaorui (USA), an international student at Beijing Dance Academy, shared, “This event provided me with a valuable opportunity to explore Chinese dance, culture, and history, which has been incredibly meaningful. Though we come from different parts of the world with diverse backgrounds, we all worked together to present a Chinese classical dance piece, showing our admiration for Chinese culture. During the event, we first experienced the dance style at the China Conservatory of Music, then learned complex steps at Peking University, which deepened our understanding of Chinese culture and its connection to classical dance.” Another actor representative Meili (Turkey), an international student at Minzu University of China, said in her speech that “This is my first time participating in a Chinese traditional dance event. From the lectures to the rehearsals, every link was completed with professionalism and care, offering me a truly unique experience. I not only learned the dance movements but also gained an understanding of the cultural and historical significance behind them and comprehended the true essence of dance as an art form. Throughout the rehearsals, all of us were focused and encouraged each other. I’m fortunate to be part of this team. Although I’m sad to see it end, I feel both happy and moved, and I’ll continue to work harder for the upcoming performances. I’m deeply grateful for everything this event has offered, and I hope to participate again in the future.”
A representative from the “China View” university delegation from Turkey shared that it was a completely new experience for him. He was particularly impressed by the final part of the performance, which beautifully showcased “the harmony between nature and the human heart.” He remarked, “Each group of performers represented four different branches, with each performance having its own unique characteristics, yet they all blended seamlessly. This was not only the highlight of the show, but it also allowed me to experience the shared beauty in the cultural imagery between China and Turkey. This cultural resonance is something I will never forget.”
On the same day, the university delegation visited Beijing Dance Academy, where they attended the performance and toured the Academy’s History Museum and Dance Museum. They also observed rehearsals of a musical theater production at the Affiliated Secondary School and had the opportunity to engage in conversations with the Academy’s leadership and international students.
From the dance culture experience camps to intensive rehearsals, from the theater performance to the landscape dance performance at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, the Great Harmony of Rites and Music has forged a bridge of culture and friendship. Through music and dance, it steadily bridges the gap between the world and Chinese culture, allowing young international students from universities in Beijing to deeply experience Chinese culture. It also inspires them to become active ambassadors of Chinese culture, while providing a platform for cross-cultural exchange and mutual learning through the experience of dance art.
Source: Official Website of Beijing Dance Academy, News Issue No. 1840, 2025 Issue No. 112
