Dance weaves cultural bonds

Beijing Dance Academy became the stage for a remarkable cultural exchange on Jan 1, as the BDA Youth Dance Troupe joined Russia's renowned Beryozka Dance Ensemble in a celebration of the art of dance. The event highlighted the deep-rooted artistic bond between the two nations, using dance as a medium to foster mutual understanding.

The event began with a welcoming speech from Beijing Dance Academy president Xu Rui, who reflected on the long history of cultural exchange between China and Russia.

Both troupes then took to the stage with a series of captivating performances. The BDA Youth Dance Troupe opened with works celebrating Chinese dance traditions, displaying a diversity of dance styles from the grandeur of Mongolian dance to the elegant Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) music and dance.

The Beryozka Dance Ensemble showcased the fluidity and distinctive movements of Russian folk art. Their signature Little Birch Tree steps, graceful as the trees they are named after, captivated the audience with both passion and elegance.

One of the event's most memorable moments came during the interactive teaching session, where dancers from both troupes engaged in hands-on artistic exchange.

Irina Tsukanova, artistic director of the Russian dance troupe, taught the Chinese female dancers the unique Russian jumping and marching techniques, blending Russian fluidity with Chinese elegance. Meanwhile, dancers of BDA demonstrated Chinese classical dance to the Russian male dancers, sharing the subtle footwork and flowing gestures at the heart of the tradition.