Dancing to the next stage of excellence

Since 1985, the event, formerly known as the Taoli Cup National Dancing Competition, has been held every three years. In 2016, its focus was shifted to take on an educational aspect, and the event was renamed. This year, the cup was organized by the Beijing Dance Academy and focused on student performances, teaching displays and dance forums. A grand gala was held to mark the end of the event on Wednesday.

"For students from faraway regions, it's a great and rare opportunity to meet and talk to dance teachers and students from other parts of the country. All of us were very happy when we knew that we would attend this year's Taoli Cup. We have been preparing for it since March," says Li Feng, a teacher from Xinjiang Normal University, in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Li made his choreographic debut with a piece titled Football Boys' Champion Dream, which was performed during this year's cup. Featuring 16 male students from the dance department at Xinjiang Normal University, the piece combines Uygur ethnic dance and the movements of soccer players.

"I was inspired by boys playing soccer near my home, who always laugh and run together. As a boy, I also loved soccer. Xinjiang's ethnic folk dances are beautiful. I tried to put the two elements together," says Li, who took his students to play soccer and observe the movements of players. "It's a new experience because our classes are mostly about teaching Xinjiang ethnic folk dances, which are traditional."

Xu Rui, president of the Beijing Dance Academy, says: "Over the decades, the Taoli Cup has built up a large fan base and is known as the biggest and most important dance event, promoting dance education and young talent.

"Some of the previous participants have become top dancers, and some have become teachers. They are contributing to the development of China's dance scene, onstage and in schools."