Beijing Dance Academy — The Cradle of Dancers in China

Once called the Beijing Dance School, it was the first professional dance school in China. Currently, it is also the only institution of higher learning in China that focuses only on professional dance education.

Since its establishment in 1954, people around the world know BDA as “the cradle of dancers.” It has trained many great performers and choreographers. This makes it one of the most respected schools of dance globally.

Top Dance School in China

If you want to study dance in China, do consider this academy. It is just north of Zizhu (Purple Bamboo) Park in Beijing’s Haidian District.

Today, the Academy has around 600 faculty and staff, with 2,500 full-time students. Plus, there are over 5,000 students in the School of Continuing Education. Every year, about 500,000 students take part in the Dance Grade Examination at various levels. Academic Divisions and Programs

BDA offers comprehensive programs across multiple schools and departments, including:

Chinese Classical Dance
Chinese Ethnic and Folk Dance
Ballroom Dance
Ballet and Musical Theatre
Choreography and Modern Dance
Dance Studies, Art Communication, and Art Design
Education and Youth Dance Company Programs

The Academy offers bachelor’s, master’s, and professional training. This is available for both local and international students. Students come from over 50 countries, including the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Canada, and Singapore.

World-Class Facilities

BDA is home to nearly 100 dance studios, the largest number among dance schools worldwide. The advanced stage facilities have several features. They include:

Nearly 100 professional dance studios — the largest number among dance schools globally
Dance Theater (912 seats) and Black Box Theater (200 seats) for performances and rehearsals
National Dance Museum, the only one in China, housing over 1,000 precious dance artifacts
Professional library with over 260,000 books, 30,000 videos, and 30,000 photographs
Foreign Students Dormitory Building with air-conditioned rooms, 24-hour hot water, and private bathrooms
On-campus clinic equipped with physical therapy devices

The National Dance Museum is the only one of its kind in China. It has over 1,000 valuable collections that show the country’s rich and diverse dance heritage. The Academy has a professional library with over 260,000 books, 30,000 videos, and 30,000 photographs. This makes it the largest dance library in China.

The Foreign Students Dormitory Building provides comfortable dorms for international students in China. Equipped with 24-hour hot water, air conditioning, TV, and private bathrooms. A campus clinic equipped with physical therapy devices ensures students’ health and well-being.

Bachelor of Dance Program

Duration: 4 years
Teaching Language: Chinese
Start Date: September 1, 2026
Tuition Fee: RMB 40,000 per year (≈ USD 22,348 total)
Dorm Fee: RMB 60–90 per day (double room)
Living Expenses: RMB 1,500–2,000 per month

Entry Requirements:

Non-Chinese citizens with valid passports
High school graduate or above
No criminal record and in good health
HSK requirement for dance school: Level 5
Age under 40 years
Excellent academic performance

Documents Required:

Completed application form
Copy of passport
Recent passport-sized photo
Academic transcripts
HSK certificate (Chinese language proficiency)
Two recommendation letters
Physical examination form
Non-criminal record certificate
Scholarship application form (if applicable)

Beijing Dance Academy Scholarships

Outstanding international applicants may apply for a First-Class Scholarship, covering RMB 40,000 per year for tuition.

Note: The scholarship covers the first year of study and requires an interview and annual evaluation.

After obtaining the scholarship, students are responsible for:

Housing: approx. RMB 2,000/month
Living expenses: about RMB 1,000/month

Global Partnerships and Cultural Exchange

Beijing Dance Academy works closely with universities and arts institutions around the world. This includes partners in the U.K., U.S., Italy, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Austria, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. BDA leads in promoting international dialogue in dance education and dance performance. These partnerships create opportunities for:

Student and faculty exchange programs
Joint choreography and performances
Dual-degree and collaborative academic projects

Why Choose Beijing Dance Academy?

If you love dancing, whether it’s traditional or contemporary dance, consider applying for the Bachelor of Dance Performance here! Consider these benefits:

China’s top dance university with global recognition
Nearly 100 professional studios and high-end performance venues
Opportunities for scholarships and international collaboration
A chance to study dance in China while experiencing Beijing’s rich culture
Supportive environment for both artistic and academic growth

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