Vladimir Malakhov named first non-Chinese dean of Beijing Dance Academy's ballet department

Austrian ballet dancer and choreographer, Vladimir Malakhov, has been appointed as the first non-Chinese dean of the ballet department at Beijing Dance Academy, as announced during a ceremony held on April 3 in Beijing.

Malakhov, often hailed as the "dancer of the century" by critics, boasts an illustrious career, having served as the former principal dancer at the Moscow Classical Ballet and the Vienna State Opera, as well as the former artistic director of the Berlin State Ballet. He is widely recognized as an iconic figure in contemporary dance.

Having joined the teaching faculty of the Beijing Dance Academy for a three-year period in 2022, Malakhov was honored at the 16th Great Wall Friendship Award Ceremony and Symposium in February, where he was recognized for his exceptional contributions to the development of Beijing.

His ties to China date back to 2013 when he debuted with the Berlin State Ballet. Subsequently, he engaged with the Beijing International Ballet Invitational for Dance Schools as a judge in 2014, conducted master classes in the capital, and embarked on tours across various Chinese cities, including Suzhou, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. In 2017, he collaborated with the Liaoning Ballet, choreographing the ballet production of Swan Lake, which has been captivating audiences across China since its debut.