Undergraduate Programs
Art Management
I. Program objectives:
Guided by the development goal of building a high-level dance academy, the major of art management aims to cultivate high-level managers who have a passion for the performing arts, with high cultural and theoretical literacy, good moral quality and strong professional competence. Students of this major should possess strong creative thinking ability, be familiar with the characteristics, policies and regulations of cultural and artistic communication at home and abroad, and master the principles and methods of the operation and management of art organization. Graduates of this major are likely to engage in theater management, performance planning, production and brokerage, and external communication and promotion of performing arts, and will be in a good position to continue to pursue master's and doctoral degrees.
Graduates of this major should have firm ideals and beliefs, a strong sense of social responsibility, and be able to innovate and break new ground. As artistic talent in the new era, they should excel in both professional and personal qualities, with a basic mastery of the theory of artistic creative planning, operation and management, performance production and dissemination. At the same time, they should master the working methods and skills in the process of art production, be familiar with Chinese and foreign cultural and artistic policies and regulations, and understand the development status and trends of the field of art, particularly the performing arts industry. They should have a good mastery of cultural and artistic knowledge, as well as English communication skills. In addition, they should possess desirable personal qualities, including good teamwork spirit, interdisciplinary perspectives, the ability of organization, coordination and communication, and the ability of innovation and entrepreneurship.
II. Educational system: four years
III. Degree: Bachelor of Arts
IV. Special features and advantages:
Guided by the development goal of BDA and the School of Humanities to build a high-level art academy with its own characteristics, and based on the development of bachelor’s and master’s programs of art management within the discipline of art theory, this major aims to produce top talent with knowledge and skills in a broad array of subjects through innovating training mechanism and constantly improving the quality of teaching and scientific research, for the benefit of national cultural undertakings.
Introduction to Art Management, Dance Appreciation and Criticism, Art-related Laws and Policies, Creative Copy-writing, Visual Communication, Art Marketing, Theater and Art Group Operation and Management, Performance Production in Practice, New Media Theory and Practice, Audience Development and Education, Chinese Culture and Leadership.
Ballet Performance
I. Program objectives:
The major of Ballet of Beijing Dance Academy (BDA) was established in 1954, following the tradition of the Russian school in training methods. At the beginning of the 21st century, it enriched its pedagogical methods by absorbing the essence of the schools of France, Denmark, and Italy.
The major of ballet performance aims to train outstanding ballet performers with high performing skills and a grasp of different performing styles, with a grasp of the basic methods and principles of stage performance. By learning the course, students will be able to engage in high-level dance performance and related teaching as well as further deepen their learning, research and practical skills in the field of performing arts.
Graduates of this major will 1) master the skills of classical ballet and the performance styles of different schools, acquire excellent and comprehensive professional skills, and become competent performers of classical, contemporary and Chinese ballet works; 2) master ballet-related pedagogical concepts and teaching steps, and grasp the teaching skills of relevant courses; 3) acquire abilities to create ballet plays, and use Chinese cultural elements properly; 4) acquire the basic theory and professional knowledge of ballet, and understand the frontier trends of ballet art in the world; 5) be able to apply professional knowledge and skills in practice, with excellent personal qualities, including teamwork, independent thinking and cross-cultural communication.
II. Educational system: 4 years
III. Degree: Bachelor of Art
IV. Special features and advantages:
The ballet performance is one of the key majors of Beijing Dance Academy, which is the birthplace of Chinese ballet higher education. For more than 60 years, following the tradition of the Russian school, BDA has absorbed the pedagogical essence of the schools of France, Denmark, and Italy while integrating modern ballet practice based on classical ballet teaching, so as to contribute to the establishment and development of Chinese-style ballet. Outstanding graduates have become the mainstay in domestic ballet companies and dance schools. BDA maintains good cooperation and exchanges with many internationally renowned institutions and groups, and provides high-quality platforms in teaching exchange, repertoire rehearsal and academic research. The Beijing International Ballet Invitational for Dance Schools held by BDA has been established as an influential event. This major has formed a complete teaching system covering different levels, i.e., technical secondary school, undergraduate and postgraduate education.
V. Main courses:
Classical Ballet Basic Skills Training, Ballet Repertoire, Character Dance, Pas de Deux, Modern Dance and Choreography Techniques, Classical Ballet Teaching Methods, Ballet History
Ballroom Dance
I. Program objectives:
By leveraging the rich education resources of Beijing Dance Academy and incorporating international teaching and competition concepts, the major of ballroom dance aims to cultivate competitive dancers who are well versed in ballroom dance professional skills, performance styles and rules, with a full grasp of the basic methods of professional performance, and are able to engage in high-level competitions, performances and related professional teaching.
Upon graduation, students will have mastered the skills and styles of ballroom dance, with accurate understanding of the culture, spirit and features of ballroom dance, as well as the characteristics of competitive dance and performance. Students will master the basic knowledge of ballroom teaching and relevant traditional dance culture. Students will learn the development history, social etiquette, and new trends related to ballroom dance, and become competent professional dancers with important personal qualities, including teamwork, innovation, entrepreneurship and international vision.
II. Educational system: 4 years
III. Degree: Bachelor of Art
IV. Special features and advantages:
This major actively explores the development of the ballroom dance with Chinese cultural characteristics in line with the traditions of BDA. During more than 30 years, it has formed a pedagogical model with outstanding characteristics. Academically, a training mode with Chinese characteristics has been formed based on international and standardized dance aesthetics, while integrating Chinese traditional art and culture and internationally advanced training concepts. Internationally renowned experts will be invited to give lectures on a regular basis. Students are encouraged to actively participate in major dance competitions at home and abroad to improve their professional competition skills. With ballroom dance at the core, a theoretical system is constantly being constructed. Performance creation and teaching practice are emphasized and students are encouraged to participate in important international competitions such as Blackpool Dance Festival and German Open Dance Festival, achieving excellent results. The students have won the champions of Latin group dance and modern group dance in Blackpool Dance Festival many times. A well-established ballroom dance professional training system has been formed at different levels, i.e., technical secondary school, undergraduate and graduate levels.
V. Main courses:
Ballroom dance (Latin dance, modern dance)
Repertoire and Competitive Dancing Rehearsal
Standard course of ballroom dance
Chinese Classical Dance Performance
I. Program objectives:
Building on the aesthetic traditions of Chinese traditional dance, opera and martial arts, Chinese classical dance inherits and promotes the spirit of Chinese classical art, in pursuit of an elegant aesthetic style, and represents an exemplary genre of Chinese dance after the innovation and reconstruction of contemporary artists.
The major of Chinese classical dance aims to cultivate outstanding talents well versed in Chinese classical dance professional skills and different performance styles, who understand the basic methods and principles of stage performance and have a sense of mission to carry forward Chinese traditional dance culture. Graduates will be able to engage in high-level dance performances and related teaching, and further deepen their learning, research and practice in the field of performing art.
Graduates of this major will understand the rhythmic styles of Chinese classical dance, and be competent to perform solo and lead dances and portray different characters in dance dramas. They will be qualified to assume the main roles in professional dance companies. Students will master the pedagogical concept and methods of Chinese classical dance and be able to teach related courses. They will be familiar with fundamental theories for dance performance, with a grasp of the historical development and classical characteristics of Chinese traditional dance culture. They will have broad knowledge of the humanities, and have some understanding of Chinese traditional culture and artistic spirit, as well as important personal qualities such as teamwork, independent thinking and cross-cultural communication.
II. Educational system: 4 years
III. Degree: Bachelor of Art
IV. Special features and advantages:
Committed to carrying forward China's excellent traditional culture, the Chinese classical dance major upholds the ideal of “tradition and innovation” in reconstructing the aesthetic characteristics, formal characteristics, aesthetic connotation and cultural character of ancient dance, opera dance and traditional martial arts in conformity with their respective characteristics. Thanks to the unremitting efforts of several generations, it has gradually formed a discipline system of performance, creation, teaching and research that embodies the main artistic ideals and aesthetic styles of the Chinese nation. Over the past sixty years, the program has produced many outstanding talents and works. Being famous for its independent artistic attributes, emotional and ideographic functions and humanistic spirit, Chinese classical dance has also become a science-based special program at BDA with high originality, strong national traditions, and modern characteristics.
V. Main courses:
Core course: Educational Productions of Chinese Classical Dance
Special courses: Chinese Classical Dance Rhythm (Barehanded Movements, Sleeve Dance, Sword Dance), Han-Tang Classical Dance (Technique, Pangu, Sleeve Dance), Dunhuang Dance
Basic course: Chinese Classical Dance Technique
Chinese Ethnic and Folk Dance Performance
Ⅰ. Program objectives
Chinese ethnic and folk dance comprises the folk dance forms of 56 ethnic groups in China, as well as the culture and wisdom of the Chinese people. Through contemporary inheritance and innovation, it has become a highly popular Chinese dance art that reflects the spirit of Chinese traditional culture.
The major of Chinese ethnic and folk dance performance aims to cultivate elite performers of Chinese ethnic and folk dance that are well versed in performance styles and professional skills. Graduates of this major will have strong stage performance capabilities, and a sense of mission to carry forward national dance culture. They will be able to engage in high-level drama and dance performance, as well as relevant teaching and creation, and will be in a good position to further expand and enhance their learning, research and practical abilities in the field of performing arts.
Graduates of this major will master authentic Chinese ethnic and folk dance styles and technical skills. As skilled practitioners with strong performance expertise and basic literacy of stage performance, they will be competent to perform Chinese ethnic and folk dances and dance dramas. They will master the educational concept and teaching steps of Chinese ethnic and folk dance, and be able to teach related courses. They will master the basic ideas and techniques of Chinese ethnic and folk dance, with certain creative capacity. Equipped with basic theoretical knowledge of dance performance, ethnic and folk music literacy, graduates will understand the development and cultural characteristics of Chinese ethnic and folk dance, and master the research methods of field investigation. They will have a broad understanding of the humanities and have certain understanding of Chinese traditional culture and artistic spirit. With all-round qualities and skills, including teamwork, independent thinking and cross-cultural communication skills, they will be able to apply their professional knowledge and skills in practice.
Ⅱ. Educational system: four years
Ⅲ.. Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Ⅳ. Special features and advantages:
Rooted in Chinese local culture, the major of Chinese ethnic and folk dance performance aims to cultivate top talent of Chinese ethnic and folk dance performance. Building on research on the development of folk dance culture in the world, and through the unremitting efforts of several generations of artists, a discipline system of performance, teaching, creation and theoretical research has been established, which embodies the traditional Chinese culture and aesthetic paradigm of "every form of beauty has its uniqueness; precious is to appreciate other forms of beauty with openness". The comprehensive advantages of this discipline have made it a platform for training high-level talent of Chinese ethnic and folk dance, the creation of excellent works, the preservation of traditional resources, and the dissemination for ethnic and folk dance culture.
Ⅴ. Main courses:
Core courses: Chinese ethnic and folk dance technique, Chinese ethnic and folk dance drama
Special courses: traditional and typical combination of Chinese ethnic and folk dance, movement analysis and choreography of Chinese ethnic and folk dance, Pedagogy of Chinese ethnic and folk dance, and field investigation.
Basic Course: Chinese ethnic and folk dance technique
Choreography
I. Program objectives:
The major of choreography aims to cultivate elite dance choreographers with creative thinking, outstanding choreography skills, teamwork spirit and international vision. Graduates will be able to engage in high-level dance creation and professional teaching, and further improve their learning, research and practical abilities in the field of artistic creation.
Graduates of this major will grasp the relevant basic theories and professional knowledge of dance creation, gain a comprehensive understanding of the rules and methods of dance creation, as well as different creative styles and genres of dance art. On the basis of understanding Chinese traditional culture and artistic spirit, the graduates will be able to create dance works that incorporate traditional cultural elements. In addition to comprehensive artistic knowledge and a broad knowledge of the humanities, graduates will understand the development of international dance art creation as well as new artistic and cultural trends, and possess important personal qualities including teamwork, creative leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.
II. Educational system: 4 years
III. Degree: Bachelor of Art
IV. Special features and advantages:
Choreography is one of the key majors of Beijing Dance Academy. With its inception in the late 1950s, the undergraduate program of choreography was formally established in 1985. Based on Chinese aesthetics and the characteristics of professional disciplines, and with “culture, quality and innovation” as the development concept, the undergraduate program of choreography integrates the advantages of other creative disciplines to form a multidisciplinary approach to education and teaching practice. With the absorption and transformation of diverse artistic thoughts and methods at its core, the major has formed original courses, teaching materials, repertoires and academic monographs, facilitating the transformation toward a new pedagogical approach of choreography building on fine Chinese traditions, global vision and interdisciplinary training, so as to realize the modern value of choreographer education and artistic creation. The training and teaching achievements of this major are abundant, with original dance works having won the highest awards in various national and foreign professional dance competitions.
V. Main courses:
Choreography, Creative Conception
Choreography for Modern Dance
I. Program objectives:
Choreography for Modern Dance aims to cultivate modern dance choreographers with high professional skills, good moral quality and broad knowledge of the humanities. Students of this major will master the professional skills and various performance styles of modern dance, and develop important personal qualities such as independent creative thinking, excellent cooperation and international vision. Graduates will be engaged in high-level modern dance-related work, and be able to further deepen their learning, research and practical skills.
Graduates of this major will be well versed in representative modern dance techniques and styles, have a full grasp of relevant basic theories and professional knowledge of modern dance, as well as the rules and methods of modern dance choreography, different creative styles and genres of dance art, and be able to independently perform and choreograph modern dance works. Graduates will have comprehensive artistic knowledge and broad knowledge of the humanities, understand the development of international dance art creation, and new artistic trends. On the basis of knowing Chinese traditional culture and artistic spirit, the graduates will be able to incorporate traditional cultural elements in dance creation.
II. Educational system: 4 years
III. Degree: Bachelor of Art
IV. Special features and advantages:
Choreography for Modern Dance is a first-class major in Beijing colleges and universities. It adheres to the modernity, uniqueness and innovation of modern culture, with a focus on Chinese national culture in a global context. The purpose is to build a comprehensive professional education system of modern dance choreography, dance performance and dance education from the global perspective of expressing Chinese culture, with body language and vision as carriers. Relying on the general education platform of the Creative School of Beijing Dance Academy and the educational resources of various majors, this major expresses the true spirit of Chinese students at present and forms a tradition-innovation-revisiting tradition-reinnovation dance system for dance creation and practice in keeping with the times. It embodies the modern value of Beijing Dance Academy in international exchanges on dance and culture.
V. Main courses:
Choreography for Modern Dance, Mixed Creations,Modern Dance Techniques.
Dance Education
I. Program objectives:
The major aims to cultivate senior dance education talents with morality, broad knowledge of the humanities, advanced educational ideas, rich professional knowledge and teaching skills, so as to prepare them to engage in dance education, research, and artistic activities.
Graduates of this major will master basic theoretical knowledge related to dance education, pedagogy and dance studies. The graduates will have high-level dance teaching skills, master teaching methods that conform to the characteristics of dance education, able to effectively integrate dance education with other related art categories. Students of this major will learn comprehensive artistic knowledge, broaden their knowledge of the humanities, and foster the spirit of innovation, while paying attention to the trends of art education at home and abroad. The course will cultivate students' comprehensive qualities, including overall organizational skills, communication skills, teamwork, work efficiency and leadership.
II. Educational system: 4 years
III. Degree: Bachelor of Art
IV. Special features and advantages:
This major creatively combines the characteristics of dance teaching with higher education in developing a curricular system for dance education that is characterized by different approaches and dimensions, i.e., dance education and aesthetics, teacher education and dance education, teaching practice and pedagogical research, skill development and personality shaping. The major places equal importance on bodily and mental training with dancing skills and knowledge at the core, and fosters students’ overall qualities and capacity for artistic creation. BDA holds the leading position in the diversified innovation of dance education and teaching, such as specialty and popularization, teaching and scientific research.
V. Main courses:
Dance Pedagogy, Educational Psychology, Dance Education, Dance for Quality Education and Teaching Practice.
I. Program objectives:
The major of dance studies aims to cultivate high-level dance research talent who have a passion for dance art, with high cultural and theoretical literacy, good moral quality and solid professional foundation. Students of this major need to master systematic knowledge of dance history, receive basic training in dance skills, and possess relevant knowledge of humanities and social sciences. At the same time, students will be equipped with logical thinking and creative ability, strong research skills, writing and practical skills, and will be able to combine their research with practice with an interest in cultural and academic frontiers. Graduates of this major are capable to engage in dance history and theoretical research, stage art criticism, stage literature creation, creative planning and application of dance art. They will have the basic research skills, and be in a good position to further their study in master's and doctoral programs.
Graduates of this major will be artistic talent with firm ideals and beliefs, strong sense of social responsibility, innovative thinking and an enterprising spirit, sound personality, moral integrity and all-round qualities. They will master the basic knowledge of Chinese and foreign dance history and basic dance research methods, with strong communication and writing skills. They will develop their logical thinking and critical consciousness of research, as well as a certain sense of innovation, have the basic professional skills of dance and the ability to integrate theory with practice. The major will enable a broad understanding of relevant cultural and artistic knowledge, foreign language and cultural communication skills, so that students will be able to pay attention to and understand frontier research trends at home and abroad. The students will also develop their overall qualities and academic spirit, including teamwork, interdisciplinary perspectives and independent judgment.
II. Educational system: four years
III. Degree: Bachelor of Arts
IV. Special features and advantages:
Building on premium professional dance resources of Beijing Dance Academy, and committed to academic research of dance, this major gives full play to the advantages of BDA in terms of the integration of dance practice and theory, and teaching and scientific research, in an effort to cultivate first-class talent for Chinese dance research in various fields. With international perspectives, the discipline has established a perfect dance practice and cross-cultural teaching mechanism to achieve fruitful academic achievements and international influence.
V. Main courses:
Chinese Dance History, Western Dance History, Introduction to Dance, Chinese Traditional Dance Culture, World Traditional Dance Culture, Dance Aesthetic, Dance Research and Writing (Series), Dance Appreciation and Criticism (Series), Dance Creative Writing.
I. Program objectives:
The strand of dance science of the major of dance studies aims to cultivate high-quality all-round talents in the new era who have a passion for dance art, with high cultural and scientific literacy, a systematic understanding of relevant scientific theories and practical skills. With a deep understanding of Chinese traditional culture, students of this major will also benefit from an international perspective and the motivation to innovate. Graduates of this major are likely to work in dance and related schools, research institutes, professional performance groups, health education and health management institutions, to engage in theoretical teaching and applied research of dance science, scientific dance training and injury prevention, public physical and mental health promotion and dance healing. They will be in a good position to further their study in master's and doctoral programs.
With a strong passion for Chinese dance education, graduates of this major typically possess an outlook on the world, life and society that is characterized by respect for science, as well as a strong psychological quality and moral integrity. They will have good English reading and communication skills, and are required to pass the national CET-4 examination during their study. They will systematically master the basic theoretical knowledge of dance science, have the professional skills of applying dance science theory to training and injury prevention, public physical and mental health promotion and dance healing, so as to be basically qualified for dance science teaching and research.
II. Educational system: four years
III. Degree: Bachelor of Arts
IV. Special features and advantages:
Building on premium professional dance resources of Beijing Dance Academy, the students will accumulate their knowledge of dance culture and gain certain practical dance experiences. They will master the testing and experimental methods of dance science, have certain analysis and research skills, be able to independently design and implement research programs, and understand the development status and trends of dance science at home and abroad with an international perspective.
V. Main courses:
Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Dance Anatomy, Dance Physiology, Dance Mechanics, Dance Psychology, Prevention and Treatment of Dance Injuries.
Musical Performance
I. Program objectives:
Following Chinese traditions while absorbing western elements in its pedagogical approach, this major is committed to cultivating musical performers with good singing, dancing and acting skills.
Graduates of this major will master the professional skills and different performance styles of musical performances, and understand the basic methods and rules of creating dramatic characters. They will be competent in musical stage performance, able to portray characters of Chinese and foreign musical works in different styles. They will master the basic theory and creation methods of musicals, as well as basic teaching skills. With international vision and communication skills, they will have a general understanding of the trends of musical development, and are expected to have good comprehensive qualities, including teamwork, multicultural perspectives and ability to innovate.
II. Educational system: 4 years
III. Degree: Bachelor of Art
IV. Special features and advantages:
As the first undergraduate major of Musical in China, for more than 20 years, the major of BDA has gradually formed a teaching system of vocal skills and dancing skills with a priority on the successful representation of characters on stage. The department of musical pays close attention to the development of the musical industry in China, with emphasis on combining theory and practice. By far, it has established partnership with many theatres as a platform for teaching and practice. The department of musical has always attached importance to the inheritance and communication of Chinese traditional culture, with the incorporation of elements of traditional and folk culture in different aspects of teaching, in its commitment to building a musical higher education system with Chinese style.
V. Main courses:
Vocal Performance, Musical Dance, Performance with Scripted Lines, Theatre Performance, Musical Rehearsals
Stage Costume Design and Makeup
I. Program objectives:
The major of Stage Costume Design and Makeup of Beijing Dance Academy aims to cultivate top talents dedicated to costume design and makeup. With high professional skills, good moral quality and broad knowledge of the humanities, graduates will be competent in costume design and makeup, with independent creative thinking, sense of cooperation and international vision. Graduates of this major will be able to independently engage in costume design and makeup and related work, and further deepen their study and research in the field of artistic creativity and design.
II. Educational system: 4 years
III. Degree: Bachelor of Art
IV. Special features and advantages:
Based on the concept of “teaching in practice” and the guiding principles of BDA, the major emphasizes the characteristics of costume design and makeup with solid theoretical and practical foundations. The major trains students' operational techniques, abilities for communication and artistic innovation, and emphasizes the transformation of knowledge into practice and the pursuit of artistic excellence. Students will learn about the creation of costume design and makeup for maximal effect of stage presentation.
V. Main courses:
Stage Costume Design, Stage Makeup Design, Stage Design Basic, Stage Lighting Basic.
Stage Design
I. Program objectives:
The major of Stage Design of Beijing Dance Academy aims to cultivate top professionals of stage design with good moral quality and broad knowledge of the humanities. Graduates will be equipped with professional skills in stage design, independent creative thinking, a sense of cooperation and international vision. They will be able to independently engage in stage design and related work, and further deepen their study and research in the field of artistic creativity and design.
II. Educational system: 4 years
III. Degree: Bachelor of Art
IV. Special features and advantages:
Based on the concept of “teaching in practice” and the guiding principles of BDA, the major emphasizes the characteristics of art design with solid theoretical and practical foundations. The major trains students' operational techniques, abilities for communication and artistic innovation, and emphasizes the transformation of knowledge into practice and the pursuit of artistic excellence. Students will learn about the creation of stage design for musical and dance drama for maximal effect of stage presentation.
V. Main courses:
Stage Design Basic, Painting, Stage Design for Musical, Stage Lighting Basic, Stage Makeup Design
Stage Lighting Design
I. Program objectives:
The stage lighting design major of Beijing Dancing Academy aims to cultivate top talents dedicated to stage lighting design. With high professional skills, good moral quality and broad knowledge of the humanities, graduates will be competent in stage lighting, with independent creative thinking, sense of cooperation and international vision. Graduates of this major will be able to independently engage in stage lighting creation and related work, and further deepen their study and research in the field of artistic creativity and design.
II. Educational system: 4 years
III. Degree: Bachelor of Art
IV. Special features and advantages:
Based on the concept of “teaching in practice” and the guiding principles of BDA, the major emphasizes the characteristics of dance lighting design with solid theoretical and practical foundations. The major trains students' abilities for communication and artistic innovation, and emphasizes the transformation of knowledge into practice and the pursuit of artistic excellence. Students will learn about the creation of dance lighting designs for maximal effect of stage presentation.
V. Main courses:
Stage Lighting Design, Creative Digital Lighting Design, Lighting Design Basic, Stage Design.