Young dancers get head start onstage

The Junior Youth Dance Company, a new performing arts troupe at the Beijing Dance Academy, made its debut with a show on Nov 27.

Featuring ballet and Chinese dance, the show was performed by students at the middle school affiliated to the Beijing Dance Academy.

On Dec 5 and 6, the show will be staged at Beijing's Poly Theater.

Launched by the Beijing Dance Academy this July, the Junior Youth Dance Company consists of young performers aged from 15 to 18, who are versed in a variety of styles, including ballet, traditional Chinese dance, Chinese folk dance and ballroom dancing, as well as musicals.

Dancer-choreographer Wang Yabin has been commissioned as artistic director of the company.

"These talented young dancers performed for an audience for the first time. They rarely appear onstage because they are still students. However, the troupe will give them more onstage experience, which will prepare them for their future careers," said Wang.

"I am really happy for them. When I was a young dancer, I didn't have many opportunities to perform in front of real audiences. Most of the time, I danced in competitions and school events. This troupe will allow young people to learn and prepare for their careers after graduation," adds Wang.