Fantasy Ballroom Dancing Show Collaborations on 3 June at Foundry

The Confucius Institute at the University of Sheffield is delighted to collaborate with the University Music Department, the Wanlin Dance Academy and the Beijing Ballroom Dance Company at the Foundry in the Student's Union building.

Following on from our successful Chinese Heritage Concert collaboration in March with the University of Sheffield Music Department and the Wanlin Dance Academy, the Sheffield Confucius Institute is delighted to announce our next event collaboration with these partners, but also with a very special visiting set of guests - the Beijing Ballroom Dance company. To book your tickets, please scan the QR at the bottom of this article.

What can we expect?

On Saturday June 3, 2023 music and dance fans will be in for a treat. First off they’ll be a lecture given about the unique experiences that the Beijing Ballroom Dance Company has in integrating Ballroom and Latin dance styles in China. This will take place at the Foundry venue in the Students Union.

Later in the evening event goers will enjoy a varied show of dance and music delivered by the Beijing Ballroom Dance Company and students from the University of Sheffield music department, the acts have been especially chosen to reflect the fascinating diversity of the event and present a genuine mix of western and eastern styles of music and dance - an event that is truly not be missed!

All activities will take place in the Foundry venue at the University of Sheffield’s Student Union.

13:30 - 15:30 - Lecture: Cultural Fusion in Ballroom ——International Style Ballroom Dances in China - FREE TO JOIN

In the 1920s, International Ballroom Dance quickly became popular in Shanghai, China and in the 1980s this style of dance was officially institutionalised in China, gaining official recognition. Today, more than 100 colleges in China offer bachelor's degree courses related to it.

This lecture will explore a number of fascinating topics; dancers trained in China will interpret English ballroom dancing in a presentation of dance sketches and ballroom works adapted from China traditional literature will be explored as an attempt to ‘sinicize’ the dance.

19:00 - 19:30 - Pre-Show: Confucius Institute Chinese Cultural Workshops and Exhibitions

The Sheffield Confucius Institute will deliver a range of engaging activities exploring Chinese culture through arts and activities stalls before the main show. Want to try your hand at calligraphy, Chinese painting or the Chinese zither (guzheng)? Our teachers, volunteers and representatives will all be on hand to show you the ropes!

Attendees enjoy the Chinese Calligraphy Stall

SCI Chinese Cultural Pop-Up Stalls Promotional Video

19:30 - 21:00 - Performance: Fantasy Ballroom Dancing Show - Dance and music performances in collaboration with University of Sheffield - TICKETS REQUIRED (purchase below)

Beijing Ballroom Dance Company

The Beijing Ballroom Dance Company is China's only international ballroom dance performance group. Through exploring the cultural contexts of international ballroom dance, the company focuses on creating unique international ballroom dance productions and injecting new vitality into the Chinese dance performance market.

The Beijing Ballroom Dance Company brings together outstanding choreographers, directors, music producers and dancers in the international ballroom dance industry. They have achieved outstanding results in many top international competitions such as the Blackpool Dance Festival. They will be performing together with MA music students from UoS.

University of Sheffield Music Department MA Student Performers

Our MA students from the Sheffield Conservatoire of Music have been active on all kinds of concert stages. Whether they are performing as soloists, collaborating with other musicians in chamber orchestras, or contributing their talents to the magnificent symphonies of the orchestra, their performances reverberate with passion, artistry and a deep connection to music.

In addition, they are committed not only to personal growth and artistic development, but also to sharing the transformative power of music with others. The belief that music can build cultural bridges, stimulate dialogue and create positive change on campus.