At 70, Beijing Dance Academy dwells on past and present, plans ahead

On Saturday, Beijing Dance Academy held a grand celebration at the school to mark its 70th anniversary. The event summarized the school's seven decades of educational experience, showcased achievements in the new era, and outlined future development plans to promote the flourishing of Chinese dance education.

Known as the revered cradle for dancers in China, Beijing Dance Academy was first opened on Sept 6, 1954. It was the country's first institute of dance. Dai Ailian (1916-2006), also known as Ailien Tai, then 38, an overseas Chinese ballerina, was appointed the first president of the institute. In the past 70 years, the Beijing Dance Academy has trained an astonishing array of accomplished dancers, choreographers and educators.