To help participants broaden their horizons, enhance their artistic refinement, foster friendships, and gain more joy and growth, on July 24, the Beijing division of the 3rd Ailian Youth Grand Prix hosted a variety of activities themed “Ailian Ballet Day.”

World-renowned ballet artists offered public masterclasses, providing authoritative and professional guidance that brought joy and inspiration to the children. A series of activities, such as “Art Lectures” and “Visits to National Ballet of China,” allowed participants to experience the diverse charm of ballet amidst the intense competition.

John Meehan, former Principal Dancer of American Ballet Theatre and Australian Ballet, and Jury Chairman of the USA International Ballet Competition, delivered classes to the participants.

Ballet Masterclass

From its beginning, Ailian Youth Grand Prix has aimed to provide talented young ballet enthusiasts with a valuable platform for exchange and learning, further promoting high-quality development in aesthetic education. The public ballet masterclasses allowed children to interact closely with world-renowned ballet experts and receive guidance from artistic masters. Such fortunate and valuable learning experiences will undoubtedly become cherished and unforgettable memories in their growth journeys.

This year’s competition invited a stellar international lineup, including John Meehan (former Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre and Australian Ballet, and Jury Chairman of the USA International Ballet Competition); Peggy Dursort (Ballet Instructor and former ballet dancer with Paris Opera); Christoph Böhm (Ballet Master and Choreographer of State Ballet School Berlin); Dirk Badenhorst (Founding CEO of the South African International Ballet Competition); Wang Qimin (Prima Ballerina and First-Class Performer of National Ballet of China); and Zhang Man (Deputy Editor of National Ballet of China Graded Examination Materials and Chief Editor of Beijing’s "High into Primary" Ballet Textbook). These exceptional instructors and exciting courses have illuminated the dreams of ballet for the children, helping them grow rapidly.

Peggy Dursort, Ballet Instructor and former ballet dancer with Paris Opera, delivered classes to the participants.

Christoph Böhm, Ballet Master and Choreographer of State Ballet School Berlin, delivered classes to the participants.

Dirk Badenhorst, Founding CEO of the South African International Ballet Competition, delivered classes to the participants.

Wang Qimin, Principal Dancer and First-Class Performer at National Ballet of China, delivered classes to the participants.

Zhang Man, Deputy Editor of National Ballet of China Graded Examination Materials and Chief Editor of Beijing’s "High into Primary" Ballet Textbook, delivered classes to the participants.

Art Lectures

Xu Gang, Assistant Artistic Director and Ballet Master of National Ballet of China, delivered an inspiring art lecture to the children. Through engaging explanations, the participants gained a deeper understanding of ballet knowledge. At the end, Master Xu demonstrated to parents how to accurately measure their children’s body length. The rich lecture content also greatly benefited the parents. After the lecture, Master Xu took a group photo with the children, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

Visit to National Ballet of China

The visit to National Ballet of China offered the children an opportunity to step into this artistic palace that shines with the glory of Chinese ballet, learn about its history, and experience the classic charm of Chinese ballet.

We believe that the colorful activities of “Ailian Ballet Day” have left the young participants with joyful and unforgettable memories. Let us look forward to our next wonderful gathering!

Photographers: Wang Chongwei, Zhu Jiang, Liu Shichao, Liu Zhengchun