Ballet in China: 1954--2008

This thesis provides an overview of Chinese ballet from its beginning in 1954 through 2003, revealing the lack of contemporary ballets by Chinese choreographers. This thesis develops a Ballet Choreography Competition, in connection with the 2008 Olympics, that would support high quality contemporary work by Chinese choreographers. There are several factors identified as causing lack of contemporary choreography for the Chinese ballet companies: lack of good choreography training in the ballet academies; lack of opportunities to see international companies and watch videos of new work; lack of workshop opportunities to develop new perspectives, and lack of knowledge of contemporary Chinese music and western music. To compensate for these absences, the Competition would begin with workshops in 2004, and end with prizes and showings during the Olympics. High quality work developed during the Competition, would become part of the ballet repertory in China.