Developing confident, expressive, and curious dancers with Hong Kong Affiliate Teacher, Di Wu

Current Academy Teacher at Hong Kong Academy of Ballet, Di Wu completed the School’s Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme in 2024 and gained his Affiliation earlier this year.  

We caught up with Di to hear about what him led him to enrolling in our Affiliate course, what he gained through the experience, and how his students benefit from such a holistic approach to ballet education. 

What inspired you to become a ballet teacher?  

My passion for teaching comes from a desire to pass on the knowledge and experiences I gained on stage to the next generation of dancers. I was a dancer with Hong Kong Ballet for many years so having once been in their shoes, I want to inspire and guide young dancers in pursuing their dreams, just as I did.  

What appealed to you about our Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme?  

I was truly inspired by the teaching philosophy of the Affiliate Programme, which goes beyond ballet technique to emphasize body awareness, conditioning, creative practice, and repertoire study. This holistic approach to student development deeply resonates with me. I also appreciate that the programme does not follow a fixed syllabus, allowing teachers the freedom to design their own exercises for exams. I think this flexibility fosters creativity and enables tailored training that best supports each student’s growth.  

How did you find the one-week in-person course in London and the online training sessions that followed?  

Training at The Royal Ballet School in London was a dream come true for me. The experience of working in such an esteemed institution, alongside teachers from around the world, was both inspiring and invaluable. Each day focused on different tasks, allowing us to work with various instructors who were incredibly patient and provided thoughtful feedback. Their guidance ensured that we fully understood different teaching strategies and how to address common challenges in the classroom. The knowledge I gained from both the in-person course and the online training sessions will have a lasting impact on my teaching career. 

What did you enjoy most about the programme?   

I enjoyed the emphasis on creative teaching, as it broadened my perspective on how to incorporate creativity into ballet instruction. I had never realized that ballet teaching could be so engaging, dynamic, and innovative.  

What were some of your key takeaways from the programme? 

One of my key takeaways is the ability to integrate storytelling and thematic elements into lessons, making technique more expressive and meaningful for students. I also learned how to use different ballet themes to inspire creative practice, helping students develop artistry alongside technical skills. This experience has given me valuable tools to make ballet training both structured and imaginative. 

How have you integrated the ATAP principles into your teaching methods since becoming an Affiliate teacher?  

I have integrated various teaching methods inspired by the ATAP principles to enhance my students’ learning experience. I have incorporated more creative and student-centered approaches, such as storytelling, improvisation, and thematic exercises, to make ballet training more engaging and meaningful. 

How have you and your students found this new way of teaching, and have you noticed any changes in your students’ approach to ballet?  

My students have responded very positively to this new approach to teaching. By focusing on body awareness, conditioning, and creative exploration, they have developed a stronger technical foundation while also becoming more engaged and expressive in their movement.  

Compared to traditional ballet training methods commonly used in Hong Kong, which often emphasize repetition and examination preparation, this approach encourages a more holistic and student-centered learning experience.  

I have noticed that my students are more confident, inquisitive, and open to exploring movement in new ways. They are not only improving technically but also developing a deeper understanding of ballet as an art form, rather than just a series of steps to perfect. This has made their training more enjoyable and meaningful, ultimately helping them grow as well-rounded dancers.  

What would you say to other Hong Kong ballet teachers that are considering applying for our Affiliate Programme?  

I would highly encourage Hong Kong ballet teachers to apply for the Affiliate Programme. This programme offers a fresh and innovative approach to ballet teaching, helping educators expand their methods beyond traditional techniques. If you’re looking to elevate your teaching, inspire your students, and connect with a global network of like-minded educators, this programme is an incredible opportunity. 

Applications are now open to join the Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme in Hong Kong. This year, we will be running the one-week in-person course at Hong Kong Ballet studios from Monday 25 to Friday 29 August 2025, followed by a series of online training sessions.

Don’t miss the only chance this year to join the next cohort of passionate Affiliate teachers revolutionising dance education.   

If you have a question or want to find out more about the application process, join our free online Q&A session on Thursday 27 March 2025, 15.00 GMT. 

Applications close Monday 14 April 2025 – apply now. 

Our Training Hub in Hong Kong is generously supported by The Croucher Hong Kong Charitable Trust.