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Basic Information

Matthew Larson
larsonmg@mail.uc.edu
College-Conservatory of Music
Major: Ballet
Study Abroad in China
Thematic Area: Global Studies
Expected Project Start Date: September 1, 2015
Expected Project End Date: January 10, 2016

Abstract
I am currently a freshman in the ballet program at CCM. Our program is paired with one of the
best ballet schools in world: the Beijing Dance Academy. I am interested and pursuing at this
moment to spend the Fall Semester 2015 at this prestigious school. While there, I will take
ballet classes daily with the Academy students, much like I do here. I would also stay in a
residence hall on the compound with any other international students. Becoming a professional
dancer in todays world is increasingly difficult as companies expect much more from their
dancers. This experience will help me improve my technique and performance, while also giving
me international experience. The time commitment for this experience would greatly extend
past what is required since I would be dancing all day five days a week for a whole semester.
Along with this, it will take a lot of planning to be able to travel and study in China and I will
need to take time to reflect on my experience as I go.

Connection to Learning Outcomes within an Honors Thematic Area


1. Interact with individuals from different cultures and express a sensitivity, appreciation, and
respect for the complex range of experiences of diverse peoples. While studying at the Beijing
Dance Academy, I will be completely immersed in the Chinese culture. They will for the most
part speak Chinese and there may be no Americans or other nationalities there with me. This
will expose me completely to Chinese manors, teaching styles, and how they interact with each

other. I want to learn how they interact and enter as much as I can into the mindset and culture
of China so that I can better understand their worldview.
2. Possess global literacy, including knowledge of geography, history, current world issues and
similarities and differences among cultures. China is one of the places in the world that I know
the least about, geographically, historically etc. In high school, I feel as though Asian History and
culture were glossed over as not as important. This is rather sad as the world has become a
global society. However, while in China, I hope to learn as much as possible about its people
and history from peers and pure exploration. I want to see and learn how the Chinese people
have impacted the world

Connection to Goals and Academic Theories


A. This project contributes mostly to my professional goals. This is one of the premiere dance
schools in the world so I will improve greatly in my technique, stamina, and artistry. This is
extremely important for my chances to get hired and have a stable long career. This project also
fulfills a personal goal of mine to travel the world. I have never been to China or any part of
Asia, so this will truly be a new experience.

B. There is an article in Dance Spirit Magazine


(http://www.dancespirit.com/2010/03/a_peek_inside_the_beijing_dance_academy/) that
gives an inside look into the academys schedule and style. They interviewed professors from
the school that describe its style as Russian based with French and British influences and
tinctures of Chinese classical dance. It really gives an insight into the intensity of this program.
http://www.studyabroad.com/programs/east+and+southeast+asia,china/default.aspx#. Often
we hear a lot of negative remarks about China, but this study abroad website outlines all of the
positive aspects including great schools, a long, cultured history as well as being a part of a
global city, in the case for Beijing.

Initiative, Independence, and/or Creativity


I have had the privilege to travel abroad before; specifically I spent two weeks in France, where
for most of the time I stayed with a host family. I have also studied extensively French culture in
high school. Currently I know very little about Chinese culture and tradition. Since I have
travelled internationally before, I can draw upon those experiences and I can better navigate a

strange place than others may. I also plan to add to reflection, a component where I compare
the Chinese culture that I will observe, with American and French culture of which I already
have knowledge. This will give me an even deeper understanding of world culture and the
differences and similarities among multiple peoples in the world.

Reflection
For reflection, I plan to use a blog on my honors learning portfolio. I will recap what I did in the
past week and then reflect on the following questions:

How has my perspective changed this week?


What differences and similarities did I see between Chinese, American, and
French culture?
Why do these differences and similarities exist?
How do these minor differences affect major differences on the world stage,
especially in global politics?
How do Chinese methods of teaching differ and relate to American styles.

If I am unable to access internet for a portion or all of the time, I will record all of my reflections
in a notebook and upload them upon returning to the United States.

Dissemination
I plan to disseminate my experience in two ways. The first is a travel blog where friends, family,
and basically anyone can read about my experiences that I will share. They will be able to keep
track of my progress in ballet along with any adventures I have while in another country. The
other way is to give a presentation to the next class of incoming freshmen dance majors about
the opportunity and the experiences they could have if they studied China. This would be more
meaningful in that it could impact the lives and training of other dancers.

Project Advisor
Jiang Qi, Department Chair of Dance Division
qi.jiang@uc.edu
Professor Qi is the department head and one of the ballet teachers at CCM. He was trained at
the Beijing Dance Academy so he is a reliable source of information about the program and
what and what not to do while in China.

Budget
$1500 for plane tickets
$200 for Visa

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