Published on Oct 25, 2026

Rating:

Genre: NCPA

Dates: November 28-29, 2026

Times: 7:00pm

Venue: Opera House of NCPA

Prices: 80, 120, 180, 280, 380, 480, 680, 880

Features: Beijing Dance Academy will be presents the origianl dance drama Koi fish at Opera House of NCPA from November 28th-29th, 2026.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

The dance drama "Koi fish" uses dance and technology as key mediums to promote the excellent traditional Chinese culture and explore new forms and expressions of Chinese- style modernization in dance. The work draws on the traditional Chinese cultural imagery of "fish leaping over the dragon gate" to showcase the spirit of China—striving against the tide and pursuing excellence—while also leveraging the modern cultural symbolism of "Koi fish" to convey wishes for peace and good fortune.

"Born as a fish, one must always strive to leap forward." The dance drama uses "fish in a pond" as a metaphor for "people in the world" and "koi" as a metaphor for "dreams," reflecting human existential conditions and the care given to life; it emphasizes the life attitude and spiritual core of "rowing against the current" —from the innocence of the dawn of chaos, through the process of overcoming numerous trials and milestones, to ultimately breaking free from constraints and achieving spiritual freedom and the sublimation of life.

The swimming, growth, struggle, and transcendence of fish in the world of the pond skillfully interweave the "fish" and "human" life narratives, conveying the cultural wisdom of China, integrating Eastern philosophy with contemporary aesthetics. Each chapter, through different themes such as "chaos," "symbiosis," "the joy of fish," "having no reliance," "the willing," "choice and sacrifice," "going against the current," and "freedom," uses China-related cultural symbols and allusions associated with "fish" to reflect the traditional Chinese perspective on life and culture.

With the body rising and sinking and the spirit wandering freely, the dance drama "Koi fish" is both a journey through life and a journey through culture.

Beijing Dance Academy - China Classical Dance Department

Founded in 1954, the Classical Dance Department of the Beijing Dance Academy has been committed to inheriting and innovating the excellent traditional Chinese dance culture. After more than six decades of development and construction, it has established a professional teaching framework with distinct national cultural characteristics and a systematic training system. In recent years, the Classical Dance Department has adopted "integration of diversity" as its guiding principle for professional development, incorporating different stylistic systems such as "body rhythm," "Han-Tang," and "Dunhuang" into the overall teaching framework. While upholding national identity, scientific rigor, dance quality, and contemporary relevance, it has continuously promoted the coordinated development of classical dance teaching, performance, and creation in China..

Beijing Dance Academy Youth Dance Troupe

Founded in 1987, it serves as a key platform for dance performance and creative practice at the Beijing Dance Academy, undertaking multiple functions including teaching and research, experimental innovation of new repertoire, demonstration of traditional repertoire, and artistic practice. The dance troupe has gathered a group of outstanding young dance talents, with many performers having won significant awards in national dance competitions, the "Taoli Cup," the China Dance "Lotus Award," the CCTV Television Dance Competition, and other professional events. It has also consistently organized international cultural exchange performances, with its足迹 spanning multiple countries such as the United States, France, Italy, Germany, and Australia.

Tickets for Dance Drama Koi fish are Available now!