Debra Li debra_lidan@163.com Some 50 children and their parents attended the launching ceremony of the children’s dance troupe attached to Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theater (SZODT) on Sunday morning at the theater’s rehearsal hall in Meilin, Futian District. The children, aged 4 to 8, are assigned into three classes for professional training in dancing. Combining training sessions with lecturing and opportunities for stage performance, the newly founded junior troupe aims to train young dancers as well as improve their appreciation of good performances. Li Chenchen, a national top-level dancer and vice chair of SZODT, will serve as the head and artistic director of the junior dance troupe. Professional dancers with SZODT will tutor the young members. “We will do our best to help these children to learn and enjoy dancing, so that they can embrace this art form as a long-term hobby,” Li said during the ceremony. She thanked the parents for entrusting their children with the troupe and assured parents that the kids are in good hands. Liu Xingfan, president of SZODT, said he and his staff will arrange for opportunities for the children to perform at various shows and galas in the future. Several auditions were held to select the current members of the troupe since enrolment started in July. | 