Leaps, Twirls, and Flips in Classical Chinese Dance

One of the world’s most comprehensive dance systems, classical Chinese dance boasts a wealth of techniques—roughly categorized into jumps, turns, fanshen, control, and tumbling techniques. Over the years, these techniques have been borrowed by other art forms, and are, surprisingly, more widely recognized by names given from gymnastics or martial arts. But in actuality, these movements all originate from classical Chinese dance. Here, Shen Yun dancers demonstrate select movements that showcase their mastery as they meld technique with artistry. For more about classical Chinese dance, please visit: