Shanghai hosts its largest international ballet competition, ever

China is well-known for its success in international competitions, and dance is no exception. From August 18-21, Shanghai will host the finals of the fourth Grand Prix Chunghwa, China's own international ballet competition. The contest has produced some of the nation's most promising dancers, earning it such repute that Juilliard students are spending their spring breaks in China. "The idea is to bring China into the international ballet circle," says Sun Mingzhang, president of Shanghai City Dance Ltd., the organizer of the competition. "We hope to bring up more promising dancers like Yuanyuan Tan [principal at the San Francisco Ballet]. That's why we hold this competition."

Only 60 dancers out of a record 176 competitors from 32 countries have made it into the solo and couples semi-finals—17 are from mainland China. "We [China] have many top-level dancers who not only win medals in many international competitions, but are also famous to foreigners. The competition will be fierce, but Chinese dancers will certainly be amongst the top," comments dancer Wu Husheng, one of the solo semi-finalists who won a silver medal from the New York International Ballet Competition.

As professional dancing continues to accelerate in China, there are lessons to be learned in discipline, theatrics and overall ballet performance, according to Sun. "Generally speaking, the level is low compared to countries like Russia or other places in Europe," he says. Ballet was brought to Shanghai in the early 20th century but was little known till 1970s dancer Wang Qifeng won an international medal in competition. "After years of collaboration and networking with many countries, such as France, the US and the UK, we [Shanghai] now have teachers coming from many other countries, as well as Chinese teachers educated abroad. The temperament and skills of these dedicated performers are much better now," continued Sun.

The future looks bright as the National Ballet of China plans on launching Shanghai's first ballet season in 2009, similar to the annual events held in Paris, London and New York. "We're planning to hold a regular season and we've invited about 36 international top-level ballet troupes for the occasion," comments Sun.

However, the real future is in hands of the home-grown talent. "If we can produce dancers faster, China's ballet will then have promising prospects," says the dance director. Fortunately, that does not seem to be a problem. "I am confident in the future," he concludes.

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