Dunhuang Dance Class - Summer Term 2026

Course Description

This is an 8-week course.

Dunhuang Dance

Where ancient murals come alive through movement

Nestled along the ancient Silk Road, the Dunhuang Mogao Caves in northwest China once welcomed travelers, traders, monks, and artists from across Asia. Here, Chinese Han culture met Persian traditions, Indian art, and Central Asian influences—creating a dazzling cultural world known today as Dunhuang Culture.

From this vibrant crossroads emerged Dunhuang Dance.
Drawing inspiration from the breathtaking murals of the Mogao Caves, the dance blends:

the refined movement vocabulary of Chinese classical dance,

the philosophical and aesthetic spirit of ancient Chinese thought, and

the flowing imagery of the murals themselves.

Through graceful arcs of the arms, elegant turns of the body, and expressive hand gestures, Dunhuang Dance brings to life the flying deities, musicians, and dancers painted on the cave walls more than a thousand years ago.

Based on the renowned teaching system from the Beijing Dance Academy, this course combines:

Rich cultural and historical insight,

Carefully structured movement practice

Creative exploration.

Participants will not only learn signature Dunhuang Dance combinations, but also experience the dance’s unique aesthetics—its fluidity, grounded rhythm, and poetic expressiveness.

By understanding the cultural roots and inner movement logic of Dunhuang Dance, students will be guided to develop their own improvisational expressions, discovering a personal connection to this timeless art form.

Join us on a journey where history, imagination, and movement intertwine—
and let the spirit of Dunhuang inspire your dance.

Time: Wednesdays - 17.30-19.00

Venue: Room 253, Richard Hoggart Building, Goldsmiths

We offer Goldsmiths staff, students, alumni, local Lewisham residents, over 65s and those in receipt of income support a 15% discount. To receive the discount code, you need to provide proof to [email protected] before we can send you the discount code.

DISCLAIMER - If you are undertaking an in-person course please note that we may need to move the course online due to any unforeseen circumstances. Please note no refunds are issued for moving courses online.

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Host or Publisher Goldsmiths Confucius Institute for Dance and Performance, University of London