On June 15, 2025, the Ballet Department of Beijing Dance Academy (BDA) was invited to Skopje, the historic capital of North Macedonia, to participate in the 3rd Credence Dance Festival. This performance marked the first time that Chinese ballet graced the stage in this thousand-year-old city, steeped in the legacy of Byzantine civilization.
BDA highly valued this prestigious invitation, with the BDA Ballet & Ballroom & Musical meticulously coordinating the program. Under the full guidance of professor Vladimir Malakhov, a specially appointed expert for the program, and the leadership team of the Ballet Department, faculty and students carefully selected and refined a series of classic pas de deux, including La Sylphide, Coppélia, and Raymonda. The goal was to present the audience in North Macedonia with a ballet feast that seamlessly blends Eastern and Western aesthetics.
Cultural Exchange: Showcasing the Brilliance of Chinese Ballet
The BDA art exchange delegation featured young faculty members Peng Ge and Li Fei, joined by six outstanding students: Liu Yuxin, Wu Yuhao, Gan Zixian, Yin Xinxin, Wang Yifan, and Gao Dongjue. As the special guest ensemble for the “Evening of Classical Ballet” program, BDA students shared the stage with students from the Ballet Department of Saints Cyril and Methodius University and dancers from the Skopje National Theatre Ballet. Through exquisite technique and outstanding teamwork, BDA students engaged in an artistic dialogue with distinguished dancers from around the world, showcasing the artistic charm of Chinese ballet to North Macedonian audiences and art community, and contributing to a meaningful and far-reaching international cultural exchange.
Teachers and Students Getting Ready Ahead of the Performance
Mr. Xu Lei, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of China in North Macedonia, attended the performance and offered high praise. He commented that ballet is a language of international exchange and an art form that transcends borders. Mr. Xu stated that the BDA students, with their superb technique and profound artistry, perfectly demonstrated the charm and world-class caliber of Chinese ballet, effectively promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning between the two nations.
The “Evening of Classical Ballet” performance commenced with a special ceremony in which certificates of appreciation were presented to both the Beijing Dance Academy and the Faculty of Music at Saints Cyril and Methodius University, in recognition of their fruitful cooperation in arts education.
In-Depth Mutual Learning: Friendship Fostered in and Beyond the Classroom
Artistic exchange extended beyond the stage. Faculty and students from BDA’s Ballet Department observed classes at the Ballet Department of Saints Cyril and Methodius University, gaining first-hand insight into the school’s teaching system and artistic specializations. Students from both countries used dance to forge connections, showcasing the unique charm of their respective traditional folk dances. Through this immersive artistic dialogue, they deepened mutual cultural understanding and fostered genuine emotional resonance.
Press Highlights
This cultural exchange event attracted wide media attention in China. On June 30th, major outlets including People’s Daily Overseas Edition, People’s Daily Online, and Beijing Youth Daily Online, covered the event under the headline “Chinese Ballet Shines in North Macedonia”, speaking highly of this event for its significant role in promoting cultural exchange and strengthening friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
Dancers’ Voices
Gao Dongjue: North Macedonia has a rich cultural heritage and a long history, making it a place full of unique charm. I believe our performance allowed the local audience to experience the distinctive character of Chinese art.
Gan Zixian: This visit to North Macedonia was truly meaningful. It not only broadened my artistic horizons but also allowed me to gain valuable experience performing on an international stage. It allowed me to truly appreciate the vital role art plays in connecting cultures.
Liu Yuxin: It was a great honor to participate in this performance tour. Exchanging ideas with art troupes from different countries allowed me to see the diverse ways dance is expressed across cultures and to experience firsthand the power of art to transcend language.
Yin Xinxin: This invaluable cultural exchange gave us the chance to experience the unique charm of North Macedonian culture firsthand. I hope that through our performances, local audiences can feel the energy and appeal of Chinese dance and develop a deeper interest in Chinese culture.
Wang Yifan: This performance tour gave me insight into how dancers from different countries approach and interpret dance. Despite our diverse cultural backgrounds, our love for dance is universal. Art knows no borders, and ballet, as an international art language, has become an important bond connecting different countries and cultures.
Wu Yuhao: Even back on campus, every moment of the North Macedonia trip is still vivid in my memory. I hope to share what I saw, heard, and felt with my teachers and classmates, so that more people can appreciate the beauty of dance across different cultural contexts.
The successful debut of BDA dance troupe at the Credence Dance Festival marked not only another brilliant showcase of Chinese ballet on the international stage but also a fresh chapter in cultural and artistic exchange between the China and North Macedonia.
BDA will continue to embrace its role as a cultural ambassador. By nurturing exceptional talent, creating works of artistic excellence, and deepening international collaboration and exchange, BDA will use the art of dance to tell China’s stories, promote dialogue and mutual learning between civilizations, and contribute its unique strength to building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Source: Beijing Dance Academy Official Website, News Edition No. 1832 (Issue No. 104, 2025)
