A group of 22 Ignite Dance Studio dancers, teachers and supporters left Australia on 25th June for a two-week tour of China.
Our tour leader from Melbourne Zhongde Zhang had many contacts in the four cities we were to visit. Consequently our group was able to visit and dance reciprocally with many dance groups.
Our first stop was the Guangzhou Ballet Company. One of our dance members, Ambre Moisel (Advanced RAD), was able to take classes with the girls while we were given time to watch both the boys and girls classes. The standard was excellent and we were very impressed. We ended the morning with a dance display by Ignite Dance Studio (they were very impressed with our tap and modern work!) and a reciprocal short ballet by the Guangzhou Company.
In Shanghai the dancers from the Shanghai Dance School were preparing for exams and we were again allowed to watch class and participate in reciprocal performances at the end. Our gift of a didgeridoo was very popular but the Chinese will need a lot of practice to get some sound!
Tianjin was a highlight with a visit to the Tianjin Arts School. Here we watched tuition in Chinese musical instruments and dance from very talented young Chinese children. Once again a concert was called and many enjoyed performances from Ignite Dance Studio and the Tianjin School followed.
Our final stop was Beijing where the Great Wall of China was a highlight for many. The tour had been packed with many exciting cultural events and although tired and ready to return to Australia we were all thrilled with our tour and the special opportunities we were given.
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