Dancing into empowerment: Ao Dingwen’s ballet tribute on Women’s Day

From the stages of China to the world, Ao Dingwen is a force to be reckoned with in the ballet world. As the principal dancer of Liaoning Ballet, Ao has captivated audiences with her breathtaking performances in both classical and contemporary works. Imagine the grace of Swan Lake, the passion of Romeo and Juliet, and the power of Spartacus—Ao has mastered them all. She’s also a trailblazer in original Chinese ballets like Eight Women Warriors and Hua Mulan, and even created her own imaginative piece, Role.

Her talent has earned her top honors worldwide, from Tokyo to Silicon Valley, and her starring role in Eight Women Warriors won China’s prestigious Wenhua Award. Beyond the stage, Ao is a cultural ambassador, sharing her artistry across the globe and collaborating with world-class companies such as the Joburg Ballet.