Chinese Dance at Studio en Avant
Chinese dance is one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful performing arts, with roots going back thousands of years. It blends graceful movement, athletic skill, storytelling, and rich cultural traditions. At Studio en Avant, we offer students the chance to explore Chinese Classical Dance and Tibetan Folk Dance, the two styles we specialize in. Through expert instruction, cultural context, and inspiring performances, students not only gain dance skills but also connect deeply with Chinese heritage. These programs are open to all ethnicities and backgrounds - to anyone who wants to learn about a new culture and have fun doing it!
Chinese Classical Dance
Chinese Classical Dance draws from a rich mix of ancient court rituals, traditional Chinese opera, and martial arts. It is known for its expressive postures, fluid transitions, and the seamless coordination of movement and breath.
At Studio en Avant, our classical dance training follows the Shen Yun style — in its direct translation meaning “body rhythm” — which emphasizes grace, expression, and storytelling through movement. (Not to be confused with the Falun Gong dance company) It is rooted in the historical and artistic foundations of the style.
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We offer three levels of Chinese Classical Dance so students can progress at their own pace: There's a place for you - from beginner student to someone returning to the art form.
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Tibetan Folk Dance
Tibetan folk dance is a vibrant and deeply rooted tradition of the Tibetan people, celebrated for centuries as an expression of community, spirituality, and connection to the natural world. Originating on the high plateau, these dances have historically been performed during harvest festivals, New Year celebrations, and important gatherings, often accompanied by traditional songs and instruments such as long horns and drums.
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The movements of Tibetan dance reflect both the daily life and the unique environment of Tibet — wide, sweeping arm gestures that evoke the open skies, rhythmic steps that suggest the strength needed to live in the mountains, and group formations that symbolize unity and harmony. Costumes are often richly colored and layered, inspired by traditional Tibetan dress, and help bring the energy and beauty of the style to life.
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At Studio en Avant, we approach Tibetan folk dance with deep respect for its cultural origins. While we teach it within our broader Chinese dance program, we recognize Tibetan folk dance as its own unique heritage. Our goal is to preserve and share its artistry, so that students can connect not only with the physical joy of the dance but also with the cultural stories and traditions it carries
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Studying Tibetan Folk Dance is an excellent way to have fun while experiencing a culture that is far away from daily western life. Its like traveling across the world for a dance class - except the class is right next door!
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