Chinese Classical Dance is a rich and complex art form that has evolved through centuries, embodying the essence of Chinese culture. This academically developed dance style draws inspirations from various sources, including Chinese Opera, martial arts, and tai chi. Aspiring professional dancers engage in rigorous training that focuses on three main pillars: Body Methods, Techniques, and choreographies. Among these, Body Methods serves as the most crucial foundation, underpinning all works within this genre and defining the unique characteristics of Chinese Classical Dance.

Cost: Full workshop – $1200+$60 (costume fee) | Drop-in – up to 10 cumulative hours $50/hr / over 10 hours $42/hour

REGISTER HERE

What is the legacy of the genre/form/style you are teaching?

At its core, Body Methods encompasses a systematic approach to body movements that involves several critical elements. Training begins with breath work, which is essential for achieving the fluidity and expressiveness characteristic of this dance style. Dancers then learn to sequence their spine effectively, enabling them to execute movements with grace and precision.

What background, training, and or relationship do you have with this style/technique/class subject?

Sally Cai holds a Ph.D. in Art Theory from Peking University and an M.A. in Music and Dance Studies from Beijing Dance Academy, where she studied under Professor Wang Wei. Trained in Chinese classical dance, Sally is a core instructor in the Shenyun Xunli (身韵巡礼) pedagogy series and has led more than thirty teaching sessions as part of its original instructional team. Her research focuses on Chinese classical dance pedagogy and intercultural transmission, exploring how traditional aesthetics can be articulated and experienced across cultures. She has published in journals such as The Journal of Beijing Dance Academy (CSSCI) and Contemporary Dance Art Research, and has presented her work at international conferences including the Dance Studies Association (DSA) Annual Conference.

Finish this statement: I am passionate about teaching this style because…

it provides dancers with the tools necessary to express the rich cultural heritage of China.

Contact Information
Contact:
sunnyhuyidan@gmail.com