San Francisco–The traditional dances that used to be exclusively enjoyed by ancient Chinese royalty can now be learned at the Fei Tian Academy of the Arts, California.
Traditional Chinese dance is officially on the syllabus of the Fei Tian Academy, and classes began for grades seven through 12 on March 29. Director of Educational Affairs Lou Hongwei recently spoke to the The Epoch Times about the mission of the school.
Lou said the school’s goal is to promote traditional Chinese culture and to revive authentic classical dance. Students have the opportunity to become accomplished artists of authentic Chinese classical dance. At the same time, the school stresses careful and conscientious teaching, morality, tradition, and creativity.
The school prepares students for the ACT and provides a complete curriculum based on the requirements of the California Department of Education and the standards of the University of California system. “We have planned a comprehensive and detailed curriculum,” Lou said.
In the past several years, the Fei Tian Academy has trained hundreds of world-class artists for the renowned Shen Yun Performing Arts.
High-quality bilingual education
Fei Tian, California is not only dedicated to providing students with a first-class Chinese classical dance curriculum. Other classes include English, math, science, social sciences, Chinese, and appreciation of Chinese traditional culture.
“Our school provides a bilingual environment. We have an outstanding Chinese curriculum and a great Chinese environment. Students can learn how to listen, read, speak, and write efficiently,” Lou said.
Small classes
Students devote half of their time to dance training and half to regular studies. Classes are small. “We provide intensive and focused learning schedules,” Lou said.
Most of the teachers have earned doctor’s or master’s degrees and have many years of teaching experience. “These teachers did not just come to work for us. They agree with and appreciate our ideals and goals. They are very devoted, and that is how we ensure our quality of teaching.”
Both talent and virtue
Many parents worry whether their children will receive proper guidance during their adolescent years. Lou said, “The school emphasizes teaching students to become artists with both talent and virtue. Having our students develop fine character and behave properly is important to us.”
The school is located in the Northern California Design District of San Francisco. Currently it offers full day, evening, and weekend classes. Full day and evening classes are for students 12 and over.
Weekend classes are for adults and children over six years.
Prospective students can currently sign up for the 2010 Summer Program. For more information, please visit http://www.feitian-california.org. The address is Fei Tian Academy of the Arts, California, 101 15th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, U.S.A.
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