On September 11, 2025, the “World Chinese Classical Dance Competition” organized by NTD Television kicked off at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center in Chester, New York, showcasing the talents of Chinese classical dancers from around the globe as they interpreted the 5,000-year-old divine civilization of China through their performances.
In the preliminary rounds on the 11th, 70 participants from the junior female, junior male, and some of the young female categories competed on the same stage.
Amidst the intense competition, the dancers also took the opportunity to watch each other’s spectacular performances, learning from one another. Some competitors shared their insights and experiences gained through the practice of dance, expressing their hopes to revitalize the traditional dance art of “innocence, goodness, and beauty.”
Taiwanese figure skating champion and national team member Abigail Wong also participated in the competition. In an interview, she attributed her success in figure skating to her study of Chinese classical dance. She mentioned, “There are many similarities in body control and rhythm between figure skating and Chinese classical dance.” Wong combined the rhythm on ice with the grace of dance, presenting a new challenge at the competition.
At just 13 years old, Wong shared that she has been learning figure skating and Chinese classical dance simultaneously. She emphasized how dance has helped her excel on the ice, stating, “Chinese dance allows me to perform better on the ice. The elegant movements of dance, combined with the spins and jumps in figure skating, make the overall performance more perfect, something that everyone will enjoy.”
Wong showcased a solo performance of “Blooming Flowers,” depicting an ancient noble lady encountering an unprecedented beauty in a garden. She immersed herself in period dramas to better understand the elegance and emotions of the character. Through her interpretation, she displayed the transition in the character’s emotions from “initial calmness to joy upon seeing the beautiful scenery,” all while maintaining the reserve and subtlety typical of ancient times.
The NTD Global Chinese Dance Competition aims to revive the traditional dance art of “innocence, goodness, and beauty.” Participant Yang Yuxuan from the junior male category shared his insights, believing that spreading these values to more people is a significant endeavor.
He pointed out, “Due to the suppression of the Chinese people by the Chinese Communist Party, many Westerners lack understanding of Chinese traditional culture. Chinese classical dance integrates the essence of China’s 5,000-year-old culture and infuses it into the physicality of dance, shaping its present form.”
Therefore, he believes that showcasing this dance to Western audiences would be meaningful. Yang added, “Westerners are more familiar with ballet and modern dance, with limited knowledge of Chinese classical dance. Through the competition, we can introduce more people to appreciate Chinese classical dance.”
Zhou Zhengye, participating in the NTD competition for the third time, competed in the young female category this year. Having previously won bronze and silver awards in the junior female category, she expressed a deeper understanding of the concept that “art knows no bounds.” She stated, “Each competition enables me to learn a lot. It’s not just about learning during my own performance but also observing the different performances of other competitors, learning from each other, and gaining valuable lessons.”
She mentioned that each competition serves as a mental training exercise as well. “After each performance, I reflect on how to execute the movements cleaner and more precisely.”
Reflecting on the connection between Chinese classical dance and traditional culture, Zhou shared, “Dance is not just about performing movements well; it also involves enhancing one’s character and demeanor. Only by practicing with a calm and positive mindset can the true beauty and goodness inherent in traditional culture be presented.”
Andy Ispas, the 2024 Star Bound National Dance Competition champion in the junior category at the age of 12, won with a Chinese classical dance piece. He was thrilled to participate in the NTD competition, considering it a valuable opportunity for learning and self-improvement by engaging with world-class Chinese classical dance performers.
Ispas expressed his desire to experience dancing alongside other talented participants and feel the atmosphere of an international stage. He found the atmosphere at the competition warm yet intensely competitive. He added, “They are really great!”
Despite not expecting to advance this time, Ispas acknowledged, “Perhaps I have no chance at all, but it’s okay; this experience is incredibly valuable to me.”
Learning Chinese classical dance has brought him many rewards, as Ispas mentioned, “I can endure more pain. Overall, I am happier because dance brings me joy. I won’t easily give up because through dance, one experiences many failures before success.” He emphasized, “This has undoubtedly made me a better person.”