None at all. The workshops are designed for first-timers - you'll learn one instrument technique, one opera pose, or one dance step at a time, with patient performers who teach international visitors regularly.
The core programme includes Peking Opera (with costume and face-painting), Sichuan opera face-changing, Kunqu opera appreciation, Chinese instruments (guzheng, erhu, pipa, dizi flute), folk dance and traditional percussion. We can also arrange shadow puppetry and lion dance in many cities.
Wherever your route takes you: Peking Opera in Beijing, Sichuan opera in Chengdu, Kunqu in Suzhou and Shanghai, folk music in Xi'an and Guilin, and shadow puppetry in many smaller towns. Tell us your cities and we'll match the best local performance and class.
A workshop usually runs 1.5–2 hours, and we can pair it with an evening performance - learn a few moves backstage, then watch the professionals on stage the same night. That combination is a guest favourite.
