Students attend classes at a dance camp during the 2017 Beijing Dance Festival in Beijing. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Self-expression, creativeness and connection to modern society

Compared to popular mass culture, contemporary dance is a relatively unfamiliar art form which the general public may find hard to comprehend and appreciate in-depth.

Tsao defines the dance form using three major features: self-expression, innovative ideas and understandings of current events in modern society.

"Contemporary dance is niche, even in New York - the birthplace of Western contemporary dance," said Tsao. "But it's also an indispensable part of a diversified metropolis."

"If different cultures of a society form a pyramid, mass culture is at the bottom, entertaining a large number of people. Contemporary dance is part of the top area," he explained. To Tsao, being at the top means more freedom in art creation, and most importantly, the power to lead the development of modern arts.

Over the past decade, China has seeing an increasing number of indie groups promoting contemporary dance, Tsao said. "The market is optimistic. There is a growing number of audience members, especially in Beijing," he said. "These indie groups have served as important platforms to promote the art among the public."

Talking of the future, Tsao said he hopes Chinese contemporary dance could help change the world's understanding of China. "I want to show the world there are various dance forms in China, not limited to classical dance, folk dance and ballet."