Keeping in step with the times

Before McKneely, legendary ballet dancer and choreographer Vladimir Malakhov joined the school, teaching in the ballet department.

"It's been great working as a fresh member of the teaching faculty here at the Beijing Dance Academy during these past two months," said Malakhov, who talked on the theme of "How ballet dancers can reach the highest level?" during the forum on Nov 1. "Before I was appointed, I had been very concerned about the cultivation of high-level dancers, based on my past work experience as a dancer and an artistic director."

Born in Ukraine, Malakhov joined the Wiener Staatsoper in 1992 as a principal dancer and, in 1994, he joined the National Ballet of Canada. In 1995, he made his debut with the American Ballet Theatre in New York.

As a choreographer himself, Malakhov made debut in 1999, when he presented his version of La Bayadere at the Wiener Staatsoper. From 2004 to 2014, he directed the Staatsballett Berlin.

"A high-level ballet dancer should have knowledge and an impression of life, the world and humanity. The mind of the high-level dancer must be open; they must try everything," he says. "When the public come to see you, they must believe in you from the beginning. You must remain in character until the end."

Malakhov emphasizes emotions rather than simply concentrating on skills, when a dancer is preparing for a new role. He recalls that, in the past, there were no smartphones, which made him interested in going everywhere and educating himself, such as visiting the theater to see a new performance, going to a new exhibition, and watching the latest movie.

He suggests the young dancers and choreographers put their phones aside for an hour and just go to the park and relax, "to see the color of the trees and leaves, smell the wind, look right and left, and have the wonderful feeling of new inspiration when preparing for a new role".