Signed inter-institutional cooperation agreements with Singapore’s University of the Arts and Hungary’s Dance University.
Beijing Dance Academy has recently taken significant steps in international dance education cooperation, signing inter-institutional agreements with Singapore’s University of the Arts and Hungary’s Hungarian Dance University. These partnerships will deepen collaboration in student exchanges, faculty mobility, joint degree programs, and transnational academic research, injecting new momentum into building a global dance education community.
President of Singapore's University of the Arts Leads Delegation for Visit and Signs Inter-Institutional Cooperation Agreement
On May 15, a five-member delegation from Singapore’s University of the Arts visited Beijing Dance Academy, led by President Kwok Kian Woon; Vice President and Dean of LASALLE College of the Arts, Professor Steve Dixon; and Vice President and Dean of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Dr. Su Huilan. Both institutions exchanged views on deepening dance education cooperation and signed an inter-institutional agreement.President Xu Rui and Vice President Su Ya received the delegation, with attendees including Cheng Yu, Director of Academic Affairs; Qin Yanxi, Director of International Cooperation and Exchange; and Zhang Yunfeng, Dean of the School of Creative Studies.
President Xu Rui extended a warm welcome to the delegation and congratulated the formal establishment of the University of the Arts Singapore. He noted that Beijing Dance Academy has built substantial collaborative foundations with NAFA and LASALLE, achieving productive outcomes in academic exchanges and faculty-student mobility. The Academy is advancing research on Eastern dance traditions across Southeast Asia while expanding its global educational footprint. Leveraging its strategic geographic position and robust dance education expertise, the University of the Arts Singapore stands as a pivotal partner in the Academy’s international cooperation framework.President Xu emphasized the Academy’s commitment to establishing a World Dance Education Exchange Centre within five years. He proposed joint efforts with Singaporean partners to promote transnational integration and innovative development in dance arts. Both institutions will utilize the World Dance Education Alliance (WDEA) platform to launch cross-border research initiatives and collaborative projects, fostering broader intercultural dialogue and cooperation among diverse dance traditions under the Alliance framework.
The three representatives from University of the Arts Singapore shared their collaborative visions. President Kwok Kian Woon stated UAS aspires to become a cultural conduit connecting Southeast Asia with broader Asia, driving regional arts education engagement. Professor Steve Dixon, Vice President, presented successful multinational partnership models and proposed deeper exploration into integrating technology with contemporary dance through collaboration with BDA. Dr. Su Huilan, Vice President, highlighted the institutions’ historical ties and envisioned jointly establishing a Southeast Asian cultural exchange hub with Chinese partners.
Witnessed by representatives from both institutions, Beijing Dance Academy and the University of the Arts Singapore formalized an inter-institutional cooperation agreement, advancing collaborative initiatives in student exchanges, faculty mobility, and joint degree programs to an operational implementation phase.
Following the meeting, the delegation from University of the Arts Singapore observed specialized classes including Ballet Repertoire, Chinese Ethnic and Folk Dance Stylistic Technique Combinations, Chinese Classical Dance Fundamentals Training, and Modern Dance Techniques. They also toured the Academy’s Dance Museum and History Museum, gaining in-depth understanding of BDA’s pedagogical distinctiveness and historical evolution.
Representatives from the Academy visited the Hungarian Dance University and participated in its 75th-anniversary gala performance upon invitation.
From May 5 to 10, Vice President Deng Youling of Beijing Dance Academy led a delegation to Budapest, Hungary, comprising Zheng Lu (Deputy Secretary of the Chinese Dance Party Committee), Li Li (Faculty of Ballet Department), Wang Keyue (Faculty of Humanities College), and four students. The delegation visited the Hungarian Dance University (MTE) and participated in its 75th-anniversary celebrations, culminating in the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement.
Background: Hungarian Dance University (MTE)
Founded in September 1950 as the Hungarian National Ballet Institute, the institution was renamed the Hungarian Dance Academy in 1991. Since 2017, it has held university status as the Hungarian Dance University. Recognized as the “Cradle of Hungarian Dancers,” MTE counts internationally renowned dancers, choreographers, and educators among its alumni.
The delegation’s visit aimed to “establish connections, promote exchange, and expand influence.” Representatives toured MTE’s facilities, reviewed its dance archives and book collections, observed dance therapy and rehabilitation programs, and assessed graduation performances. They also attended classes in ballet and theatre dance.
During bilateral talks, Vice President Deng Youling detailed BDA’s historical achievements and invited MTE to join the World Dance Education Alliance initiated by BDA. She further extended an invitation for MTE students to participate in the 9th International Dance Academies Ballet Competition hosted by BDA in October 2024.
Ms. Marta Fodor Molnar, Rector of MTE, warmly welcomed the delegation, stating that their presence exemplified multicultural exchange during this milestone celebration, reflecting both institutions’ shared commitment to “international cooperation and cultural mutual learning.” She proposed expanding collaboration from student/faculty exchanges to joint choreographic creation and academic research, particularly pioneering explorations in dance therapy and interdisciplinary practice.
The institutions signed a cooperation agreement covering student exchanges and faculty/researcher mobility, laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration in dance education and academic research.
During the visit, the delegation also met with Péter Ertl, General Manager of the Hungarian National Dance Theatre (a 2024 member of the World Dance Education Alliance initiated by the Academy). Building upon prior collaboration, both parties discussed future performance partnerships.
At the invitation of the Hungarian Dance University, students from BDA’s Chinese Classical Dance and Ballet Departments performed Farewell at the Pavilion (Chinese Classical Dance) and the ballet duet L’Été at MTE’s 75th-anniversary gala. Their exceptional artistry earned acclaim from local audiences, showcasing the rich heritage of Chinese dance education.
The Academy’s agreements with both universities signify its entry into a new phase of advancing international collaboration under the World Dance Education Alliance (WDEA) framework.
Both collaborations prioritize multifaceted engagement in:
These initiatives:
