Dance Across China: A Journey into Traditional Movement and Culture

China offers a wide variety of institutions and cultural places where tourists can engage in traditional dance workshops, learning the intricacies of Chinese dance styles. These workshops are a great way to immerse oneself in Chinese culture and explore the rich history behind the movements. Here are some well-known places in China that offer dance workshops for tourists:

1. Beijing Dance Academy (BDA)

Located in the capital, Beijing, the Beijing Dance Academy is one of the most prestigious dance schools in China, offering programs in traditional Chinese dance, ballet, and folk dances. The academy holds workshops and short-term courses for tourists and dancers from around the world. It’s an ideal place to learn about classical Chinese dance and traditional folk dances like the famous Dunhuang dance (from the ancient murals of Dunhuang), and peacock dance.

• Highlights: Professional instructors, a wide range of traditional and modern dance styles, and an opportunity to learn classical Chinese dance movements.
• Activities: Workshops on Chinese traditional dance, modern dance, and ballet.

2. Shanghai Oriental Art Center

The Shanghai Oriental Art Center is a cultural landmark that offers a range of artistic performances and workshops. They often hold special events for tourists, including Chinese opera dance, fan dances, and dragon dances. Tourists can take part in interactive sessions where they get the chance to learn these traditional Chinese dance forms.

• Highlights: A variety of traditional Chinese arts, including dragon dance, lion dance, and traditional opera performances.
• Activities: Workshops in Chinese traditional dance and cultural performances with interactive segments for tourists.

3. Xi’an Song and Dance Theatre

Xi’an, the ancient capital of China, is home to the Xi’an Song and Dance Theatre, which offers performances as well as workshops. This theatre is an excellent place for tourists to learn about the traditional dance styles of Shaanxi Province, such as Tang Dynasty court dances and folk dances. Their workshops provide a hands-on experience of learning traditional dances from ancient Chinese dynasties.

• Highlights: Focus on the Tang Dynasty dance style, ancient Chinese court dances, and folk dances from the region.
• Activities: Dance classes for tourists focused on Tang Dynasty dances and regional folk dances.

4. Chengdu Sichuan Opera Institute

Located in Chengdu, the Sichuan Opera Institute offers specialized workshops focused on Sichuan opera, one of the most unique and famous forms of Chinese traditional theater, known for its colorful costumes and face-changing dance performances. Tourists can participate in interactive workshops where they learn the dance movements and theatrical elements of this captivating art form.

• Highlights: Workshops on Sichuan Opera, face-changing performances, and traditional opera movements.
• Activities: Hands-on learning of Sichuan opera dance and the iconic face-changing technique.

5. Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Research Institute

Guangzhou is the heart of Cantonese opera, a traditional Chinese performance that incorporates dance, music, and dramatic gestures. The Cantonese Opera Research Institute offers tourists the chance to learn the movements, expressions, and costumes associated with this art form. Workshops focus on dance styles and the body movements used in Cantonese opera performances.

• Highlights: Focus on Cantonese opera dance, traditional costumes, and dramatic movements.
• Activities: Workshops where tourists learn Cantonese opera movements and expressions.

6. Wudang Mountain Taoist Culture & Martial Arts Academy

Located in Wudang Mountain, the Wudang Martial Arts Academy is known for its focus on traditional Chinese martial arts and Taoist culture. Though primarily a martial arts academy, the school offers workshops in the traditional Wudang dance that incorporates Tai Chi and Tai Chi movements. These workshops provide a holistic experience where tourists can learn the intersection of movement, martial arts, and Taoist dance.

• Highlights: Focus on Tai Chi, Wudang dance, and martial arts, blending spirituality with physical movement.
• Activities: Workshops that include Tai Chi dance and traditional Taoist dance movements.

7. Lijiang Traditional Dance School

Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is home to the Naxi ethnic group, known for their rich cultural traditions. The Lijiang Traditional Dance School offers dance workshops where tourists can learn the ancient Naxi dance, which is deeply rooted in Tibetan and Chinese culture. This dance is often performed during religious ceremonies and festivals, and visitors can explore the history and significance behind the movements.

• Highlights: Learn about the Naxi dance, a combination of Tibetan and Chinese cultural dance forms.
• Activities: Participate in Naxi dance workshops and learn about the cultural significance behind them.

8. Hangzhou Tea Cultural Museum

While primarily known for its tea culture, the Hangzhou Tea Cultural Museum offers a unique experience for tourists interested in Chinese dance as well. The museum organizes workshops where participants can learn tea-themed dances, such as dances performed during tea ceremonies. These performances are often associated with the cultural rituals of tea picking and tea preparation.

• Highlights: Workshops integrating tea culture and traditional Chinese dance.
• Activities: Tea ceremony dances and performances where tourists learn about the dance movements connected to Chinese tea rituals.

Ready to experience the beauty of Chinese dance and culture firsthand? Book one of our China tours and immerse yourself in these unforgettable traditions!