[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

According to Guo Lei, head of the Beijing Dance Academy, the awards began in 1983, and the event is co-organized by the Beijing Dance Academy and Beijing Dancers Association. The 16 award-winning dance dramas display a variety of styles and themes, including ballet and Chinese folk dance. Besides dance works from Chinese art schools, the competition is also open to amateur dancers across a range of age groups from children to elders.