¡¡¡¡In over a decade of existence, BMDC has been at the forefront of developing contemporary arts within China, as well as bringing "the face of modern China" to the rest of the world. The Company has held four annual China Modern Dance Showcases, inviting students and professionals from throughout the country and abroad to come together for artistic and intellectual exchange. The BMDC Training Centre provides classes and workshops for amateurs and professionals. Its mission is to develop not only skilled performers but also creative choreographers.
¡¡¡¡At home, the Chinese government has recognized BMDC for its contribution to Chinese culture. In 1996 it won the Wen Hua Award, the highest cultural award from the Chinese government. The Company's popularity led to invitations to perform in numerous official and commercial events throughout the country, including feature appearances on China Central Television's worldwide satellite broadcast of the First Sunrise in the Millennium (2000); the Closing Ceremony of the 9th China National Games (2001); the Logo Launch of the 2008 Beijing Olympics at Beijing's Temple of Heaven (2003); and for Chinese President Hu Jintao's official visit to South America in 2004.
¡¡¡¡BMDC invites master teachers and choreographers from both China and abroad to collaborate with the Company and the local dance community. Recent residencies have included, among others, Fin Walker from the UK through a British Arts Council Felloship; Hou Ying from New York's Shen Wei Dance Arts; and Anouk van Dijk from anoukvandijk dance company in Holland.
¡¡¡¡The Company regularly performs throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, North and South America, and at such festivals as the Berlin Art Festival, la Bienniale di Venezia, the International Performance Festival in Bologna, Italy, the Bahia Festival in Brazil, the Singapore Arts Festival, Korea's Chang Mu International Dance Festival, the Tokyo International Theatre Festival, the Bienniale de Lyon, the Canada Dance Festival, and The John F. Kennedy Center Festival of China in Washington, DC. BMDC regularly appears in the world's most prestigious venues, including the Paris Opera House, Berlin's House of World Cultures, Singapore's Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, and New York's Joyce Theatre, among many others.
|