Ballroom dance spectacle honors acclaimed architect
From May 9 to 11, the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center in Beijing hosted the captivating Chinese dance drama April Day On Earth, marking the debut of the Beijing Dance Academy in the realm of ballroom dance productions.
Directed by Dang Qi and Liang Qun, and choreographed by Xie Changhui and Lou Hui, the production weaves together 14 styles of ballroom dance, including the Argentine Tango, Flamenco, and American Smooth, to narrate the remarkable life story of Lin Huiyin, a revered 20th-century Chinese architect, poet, and writer.
As this year commemorates the 120th anniversary of Lin, the dance drama serves as a tribute to her enduring legacy. Since its premiere in 2023, the production has captivated over 5,000 spectators with its emotive storytelling and dynamic choreography.
Furthermore, 2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the esteemed Beijing Dance Academy, an institution that has been at the forefront of dance education. Notably, in 1997, the academy initiated an educational program dedicated to training aspiring ballroom dancers, showcasing its commitment to nurturing talent and innovation in the realm of dance.
