Amidst the Wind is a celebration of "the most exhilarating dance excerpts from its productions of the past two decades".

Niche market

Explaining, how he keeps the festival alive, Tsao, who says he aims promote contemporary dance in China, says: "There are a lot of struggles and challenges but all serious arts face difficulties."

He adds that modern dance in China is still a niche market. "So, the only way to let people know about modern dance is to give more performances and to attract young audiences." 

In 2012, the Beijing Dance Festival was modified from a one-week event to a two-week show, which, besides offering performances by international contemporary dance troupes, now also functions as an important platform to educate amateurs.

Tsao says that this year, 213 young amateur dancers from 31 cities across China will participate in the festival. They will be offered opportunities to meet professional dancer-choreographers at workshops and perform their own pieces.