Boston Conservatory at Berklee Launches Exchange Program with Central Academy of Drama in China

This month, Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s Dance Division began an international exchange program with the Central Academy of Drama (CAD) in Beijing, China. CAD is one of the leading performing arts conservatories in China, offering rigorous training in dance, theater, and music.

The exchange program allows eligible sophomores, juniors, and seniors studying dance at the Conservatory and CAD to spend a semester abroad at the partner institution, training with that institution's renowned faculty, alongside equally talented peers. Interested Boston Conservatory at Berklee students must apply for the exchange program, and will be selected to participate by the Conservatory’s Dance Division. All participants are required to be in good academic standing, have a strong dance technique, and understand their roles as ambassadors for their institution. CAD classes will focus on movement and dance skills; all liberal arts requirements would be fulfilled at the Conservatory.

A 'New Environment for Artistry'

“We are excited to collaborate and foster an academic partnership with the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing, one of China’s most well-respected performing arts institutions,” said Tommy Neblett, interim dean of dance for Boston Conservatory at Berklee. “This partnership with CAD will offer our dance students opportunities to learn and grow as performers, while also introducing them to a new culture and environment for artistry.”

“As a participant in the exchange with CAD and Boston Conservatory at Berklee, I am able to grow as a dancer in an exciting and challenging setting,” said junior dance student Crislin Williams-Womack. "The exchange has enhanced my experience as a student at the Conservatory, and offered me a chance to meet new people, including peers, teachers, and instructors who have shaped how I currently dance.”

Boston Conservatory at Berklee previously launched an international partnership in London with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), a global leader in dance education and training, earlier this spring. The program offers students a ballet teaching qualification through RAD, one of the most widely recognized dance certification organizations in the world. Dance students become eligible for Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher Status (RTS) upon the completion of online coursework and a practical module. The program takes two years to complete, and is in addition to students’ Boston Conservatory at Berklee education.