Beijing-based organization Hua Dan uses elements of drama and dance to teach migrant women and children life skills in Beijing and Sichuan. How do dance and drama improve the lives of working class Chinese women and children? Read on to find out more from Hua Dan rep Peta Khan.

How does teaching drama and dance techniques to migrant women and children benefit them?

Each year, thousands of migrant families flock to Beijing trying to find work. They have poor living conditions, low quality education and little access to new and stimulating learning experiences. So, Hua Dan provides a safe, welcoming and creative space for them to get into theater, dance and other creative arts. They get a rare chance to learn new things, build confidence and start opening up and expressing themselves.

What’s your favorite technique to teach?

One of my favorite activities to help teach is dance improvisation, where each person makes up their own funky moves to the rhythm and everyone else in the class imitates them. It’s a simple activity, but it’s amazing how much it can build up a great energy in the room where everyone is supporting everyone else to just let loose! By the end there’s just a whole room of giggling kids and gigantic smiles.

Why the name Hua Dan?

Nearly six years ago, Hua Dan’s founder Caroline Watson was talking with a friend about different characters in Peking Opera when they discovered a female character described as “perky, bold and unconventional”—the perfect name for the new organization Hua Dan.

How can people get involved?

You can support us by donating to one of our projects on our website at www.hua-dan.org or volunteering for either office related work or, if your Chinese is good enough, assisting our teachers to run classes in the migrant community.