Gao and Shi have visited the department for instructions, along with other renowned dance artists including dancer and choreographer Huang Doudou and head of the National Ballet of China Feng Ying.

Qiao designed his original choreography based on the Four Heavenly Kings (protective deities in Buddhism), which serve as practice material for male students.

"The Four Heavenly Kings are strong and imposing, with a fierce expression. All the moves and gestures, even though our limbs and body might be curved, are full of power and sturdiness," says Zhang Si'an, a sophomore.

When he began learning dancing, as a child, he trained in ballroom dance but later developed a passion for traditional Chinese dance forms.

A native of Gansu, he is familiar with the Dunhuang murals. Dunhuang College, rooted in the home of the grottoes, seemed an ideal institution to learn this unique dance genre.

"I really enjoy Dunhuang culture. Through the courses on Dunhuang history and cave art, I've learned about the grottoes from the earliest to the most elaborate," he says.

"I've only scratched the surface of this heritage but I'd like to continue learning and deepening my understanding. After graduation, I hope to travel around the country and teach people about the beauty of Dunhuang."

Contact the writers at [email protected]