A school opera troupe is giving youngsters a head start on learning the art form

Zhang Zhichao practices a move under the supervision of an instructor on May 25, last year. (XU JINGBAI / FOR CHINA DAILY)

Three years ago Xichang Primary School in Haian, Jiangsu province, hired professional instructors and established a Peking Opera troupe.

Students were offered optional courses on Peking Opera, which changed many lives. Over the past three years, course participants have given up their weekends for lessons and rehearsals.

In the morning, the students are trained in the fundamentals and in the afternoon they rehearse various Peking Opera performances.

"I cherish every bit of knowledge our instructors have passed on to me," said troupe member Zhang Zhichao.

"I will practice the moments they taught me again and again, even after the courses have finished."

Cui Youyou, 8, practices in front of a mirror before a performance on May 13. (XU JINGBAI / FOR CHINA DAILY)

Zhang has excelled in the traditional art. In 2018, he won a prize at a national competition for amateur Peking Opera performers.

Born in a rural area of Lu'an city, Anhui province in 2010, Lu Wenjing moved to Haian with her parents at the age of 7 and enrolled in the primary school.

She took the opera classes and joined the troupe, and has had the lead role in a few plays.

"I feel fortunate to learn Peking Opera at the school," she said. "I cherish the opportunity to be a member of the troupe and hope to become a professional performer in the future."

She plans to apply for a theater school next year.

Zhong Jingyan rehearses a turn before a performance on May 30, last year. (XU JINGBAI / FOR CHINA DAILY)

A troupe member is assisted in applying makeup on May 13. (XU JINGBAI / FOR CHINA DAILY)

Lu Wenjing sings an aria under an instructor's guidance on Oct 16. (XU JINGBAI / FOR CHINA DAILY)

Troupe members stretch during a training session on Oct 16. (XU JINGBAI / FOR CHINA DAILY)

Troupe members play during a break in training on Aug 22. (XU JINGBAI / FOR CHINA DAILY)

Members of the troupe do their homework during a break in a training session on Sept 10. (XU JINGBAI / FOR CHINA DAILY)

Xu Ziqing, a student of Xichang Primary School in Haian, Jiangsu province, stretches in the school Peking Opera troupe's rehearsal room on May 25, last year. (XU JINGBAI / FOR CHINA DAILY)